Which treatment is used for serotonin syndrome?

• A. Cyproheptadine
• B. Dantrolene
• C. Haloperidol
• D. Lithium

Answer: (A)

Serotonin syndrome arises from excessive serotonergic activity, so the treatment aims to counteract that activity. Cyproheptadine is a nonselective serotonin receptor antagonist that blocks central and peripheral 5-HT receptors, especially 5-HT2A, making it the antidote of choice to rapidly reduce serotonin effects. This is why it’s the best answer.

Dantrolene is primarily used to treat malignant hyperthermia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome by targeting muscle rigidity and heat production, not by directly counteracting serotonin’s effects. Haloperidol, a dopamine antagonist, can worsen features of serotonin syndrome and is not appropriate in this setting. Lithium is a mood stabilizer with no role in acutely countering serotonin toxicity.