Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs as a result of an excess of serotonin, a chemical produced by your nerve cells. This condition is usually caused by the use of certain medications and sometimes by some psychedelics.

Serotonin syndrome is characterized by various physical and mental symptoms, including confusion, stiff muscles, a rapid heartbeat, and dangerously high fever.. 

Psychedelics and Serotonin Syndrome

Some well-known psychedelics are psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA. These substances have a direct influence on serotonin levels in the brain. However, it is difficult to induce serotonin syndrome with classic psychedelics. MDMA is an exception and is known for its risks.

Psilocybin

Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance found in certain types of mushrooms. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which acts partially as an agonist on the 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A serotonin receptors in the brain. Although psilocin binds to serotonergic receptors, psilocybin appears to pose no danger in the absence of MAO medication.

LSD

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a very powerful hallucinogenic drug that was developed in 1938 based on an ergot fungus. The risk of serotonin syndrome is also low with LSD.

MDMA

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic drug with stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. It increases the serotonin supply in the brain, which can lead to an excess of serotonin and possibly serotonin syndrome. Therefore, it is very important when using MDMA that no other substances, such as drugs, MAO inhibitors, or psychoactive medication, are used.

MAO and Serotonin Syndrome

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that breaks down monoamines, including serotonin. Certain medications, including some antidepressants (MAOIs), can inhibit the action of MAO, leading to elevated serotonin levels. This can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

In short, the greatest dangers of serotonin syndrome stem from the combination of MDMA and psychoactive medication.