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Serotonin Syndrome Triad — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModerateGeneral AnaesthesiaSerotonin Syndrome TriadFRCA Final

A 45-year-old man develops serotonin syndrome from a drug interaction. The classic triad of features is:

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Correct answer: BSeizures, alopecia, hepatitis

Serotonin syndrome triad: (1) Neuromuscular excitation: clonus (spontaneous, inducible, or ocular), hyperreflexia, rigidity, myoclonus; (2) Autonomic instability: hyperthermia, tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, diarrhoea; (3) Altered mental status: agitation, confusion, delirium. It is caused by excess serotonergic activity (usually from drug combinations: SSRIs + tramadol, MAOIs + pethidine, etc.). Treatment: stop all serotonergic drugs, benzodiazepines for agitation/myoclonus, active cooling, cyproheptadine (serotonin antagonist) in severe cases.

Reference: BNF – 2025 – Serotonin syndrome; RCOA – 2023 – Drug interactions