Question:

All are true regarding serotonin syndrome EXCEPT?

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The antidote here is cyproheptadine; dantrolene belongs to another hyperthermia syndrome.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • It is not idiosyncratic and unpredictable
  • Dantrolene is the drug of choice
  • It can be caused by SSRIs
  • Features include hyperthermia and hypertension
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: The question asks for the FALSE statement about serotonin syndrome.
Step 2: Serotonin syndrome is a predictable, dose-related consequence of excess serotonergic activity rather than an idiosyncratic reaction. So the statement that it is not idiosyncratic and unpredictable is true.
Step 3: The drug of choice for serotonin syndrome is cyproheptadine, a serotonin (5-HT2A) antagonist, along with supportive care and discontinuation of the offending agent. Dantrolene is used for malignant hyperthermia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, NOT serotonin syndrome. Therefore the statement that dantrolene is the drug of choice is FALSE and is the exception.
Step 4: SSRIs are among the most common precipitants of serotonin syndrome, particularly in overdose or when combined with other serotonergic drugs. This statement is true.
Step 5: The clinical triad includes neuromuscular abnormalities, autonomic instability (hyperthermia, hypertension, tachycardia), and altered mental status. So hyperthermia and hypertension are genuine features. This statement is true.
Conclusion: The printed key marks option B (Dantrolene is the drug of choice) as the exception, which is medically correct.
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