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Medical emergency

Serotonin syndrome

A potentially life-threatening reaction from excess serotonin activity, most often triggered by combining trazodone with other serotonergic drugs.

Editorially reviewed
This can be a medical emergency. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, call 911 (US) or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not wait to see if it passes.
Key points
  • Usually triggered by combining multiple serotonergic substances
  • Symptoms can include fever, agitation, and muscle rigidity
  • Requires emergency medical evaluation, not a wait-and-see approach

Trazodone's Medication Guide lists agitation, hallucinations, coordination problems, fast heartbeat, muscle rigidity, trouble walking, sweating, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as symptoms of serotonin syndrome. It is most often triggered by combining trazodone with another serotonergic medication — such as an MAOI, SSRI, SNRI, triptan, tramadol, or certain supplements — without medical supervision.

This condition can progress quickly and requires emergency evaluation. Do not wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own if multiple signs appear together, especially fever and muscle rigidity.

Call your prescriber or seek care if you notice:
  • Fever combined with agitation or confusion
  • Muscle rigidity or uncontrollable shivering
  • Fast heartbeat with sweating and diarrhea
Not medical advice. This page describes general patterns reported for trazodone and does not replace individualized guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

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