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New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Herbal medication, food supplements can cause serotonin syndrome
Humans need to produce serotonin since it has an impact on both the body and the brain. A neurotransmitter and hormone, serotonin is crucial for blood clotting, digestion, mood management, sleep, and overall well-being. However, often we are unaware that too much serotonin causes serotonin syndrome, with symptoms that can range from mild to severe. If the condition is not identified and treated, it can be life-threatening. If it is identified, it can be easily treated and cured. "Serotonin syndrome is a condition that occurs when the serotonin levels are high in the body. It can happen following the consumption of medicines which contain serotonin, like some antidepressants, painkillers, etc. It can also happen following the consumption of some herbal medications and food supplements," said Dr Arun B Nair, professor of psychiatry at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. According to Dr TR John, senior consultant in psychiatry at Aster Medcity, Kochi, single medicines or chemicals do not usually cause serotonin syndrome unless the person is genetically vulnerable. Antidepressants, antimigraine medications, drugs of abuse, opioids, nutraceuticals, etc. can cause serotonin syndrome. Thus, the patient should communicate with the doctor if he or she is taking any other medicines," he said. The initial symptoms of serotonin syndrome include a feeling of nervousness; some abdominal discomfort, which includes nausea, diarrhoea, tremors of the body parts, vomiting, and dilated pupils. "But as the condition advances and becomes moderate, there will be a feeling of restlessness, anxiety, a subjective sense of agitation, and problems with muscles and involuntary contractions. In severe cases, muscles will also be rigid. There will be profuse sweating and shivering. There will be abnormal movements of the eyes," added Dr Arun. In severe stages, there can be disorientation, altered consciousness, and an increase in heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. "There can be fainting episodes, sudden falls, and rarely, seizures. Usually, it is a very rare condition, but it can happen in a few hours when a person is taking medicine or food supplement which contain serotonin. Usually, the reason is the consumption of more than one medicine which has serotonin content or more than one medicine which increases the serotonin levels," Dr Arun said. "Awareness about the symptoms, which usually involves nervousness, discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, and tremors, can help. If there is a history or family vulnerability, notice agitation, anxiety, and other early symptoms and seek help from a healthcare provider," Dr John said. He added that the syndrome can be caused when we change medicine, start a new medicine, change the dosage, or add a second medicine. Substance abuse, while on medications, can also cause Serotonin Syndrome. Early identification and treatment are crucial in curing the condition. "In mild cases, stop taking the drug, which is likely to produce serotonin. Usually, within one to three days, the symptoms will completely go away. In moderate cases, it is better to observe the patient at the hospital for 24 hours. In severe cases, the patient will have to be placed in the ICU. Certain medications and IV fluids are used to improve the heart rate and blood pressure," Dr Arun added. "We need to be careful about moderate and severe cases. In these cases, hospitalisation is required. In severe cases, the patient will need ICU care and can develop long-term complications if not treated aggressively. Medications, IV fluids, and supportive care should be given in such cases," added Dr John.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Govt plans exhibition of books featuring the works of students
T'puram: The state education department will organise an exhibition of books that feature the work of students, general education minister V Sivankutty said on Friday. He was speaking at an anti-drug campaign organised by the Kerala Language Institute at Pattom St Mary's Higher Secondary School. He said the govt was considering a proposal to award grace marks to students for book reading. The state govt launched an anti-drug campaign involving students, parents, teachers, local govt bodies, various departments and community components. The public education department included anti-drug awareness lessons in the curriculum. As part of the 'Drug-Free Kerala' goal, the govt prepared guidelines and books to help students understand the harms of drugs, along with detailed teaching, awareness, and community engagement programmes and legal service systems implemented at the school level. The books "Manassum Asakthikalum" by Dr Arun B Nair and "Lahariyil Ninnum Kuttikale Mochippikkam" by C Ramaswami Chettiar, published by the Kerala Language Institute, were released on the occasion. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Stop overconsuming content on India-Pakistan conflict to avoid anxiety: Experts
KOCHI: With the conflict between India and Pakistan threatening to escalate, there is a lot of information and misinformation circulating in the media and on social media. However, health experts warn that round-the-clock consumption of news and visuals of the hostilities can have a negative impact on the mental health of people, particularly children and the elderly, causing anxiety and insomnia. They are calling on the public to refrain from overindulging and spreading related content to prevent conflict anxiety. 'Just like Covid-19, precautions should be taken to deal with a war-like situation. Consumption of misinformation and content related to the conflict can lead to anxiety. It may even affect the ability of people to act and implement precautions,' said Dr C J John, a Kochi-based psychiatrist. The misinformation can create a deeper impact, especially in children and the senior population, who are more vulnerable. 'Children are not aware of the realities on the ground. So they may panic, thinking that it would consume them all. The elderly are not used to the information-overload. Thus, they may take the information seriously, which will end up affecting their mental health,' said Dr Arun B Nair, associate professor of psychiatry at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital. Family members should constantly reassure children, the elderly, and those who are susceptible to anxiety disorders. 'We need to support them. They should not be watching news and visuals constantly. We need to cut down on misinformation. Listening to daily briefings or advisories issued by the government can help understand developments. It helps in adhering to instructions,' he said. With the exchange of hostilities occurring mostly after sundown, watching news and visuals late at night can affect sleep, leading to stress and anxiety issues. 'Some may experience panic attacks, sudden and intense restlessness, breathlessness, sweating, and a feeling of losing their mind. It may persist for 10-15 minutes and occur repeatedly. This can result in insomnia,' Dr Arun said. He added that youngsters and people who actively engage on social media should refrain from spreading misinformation. 'Though the conflict is a new experience for youngsters, they are aware of what is happening with Israel, Gaza and Ukraine. So, there is some desensitisation happening. Do not spread messages harming the state and affecting communal harmony,' he emphasised.
