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Serotonin syndrome — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateEmergency MedicineSerotonin syndromeUSMLE Step 3

A 25-year-old man has agitation, diaphoresis, mydriasis, hyperthermia, diarrhea, hyperreflexia, and ankle clonus after taking linezolid while on sertraline. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?

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Correct answer: A — Excess serotonergic activity

Serotonin syndrome causes mental status changes, autonomic instability, diarrhea, hyperreflexia, and clonus after serotonergic drug exposure.

Reference: Toxicology guidance; APA psychopharmacology reference