Laura Isabella Ortega Muñoz
University Foundation of Health Sciences, ColombiaPresentation Title:
Ayahuasca-induced serotonin syndrome: About a case
Abstract
Serotonin syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms caused by serotonergic hyperactivity, primarily characterized by alterations in the central nervous system. Historically, traditional medicine has used herbal remedies for healing and religious purposes, which could affect the serotonergic system, dopamine, glutamate, and noradrenaline receptors. In this context, ayahuasca or «yagé» is mentioned as a brew with psychoactive potential that is generally associated with psychotic symptoms. Here, we present a clinical case of a patient with serotonin syndrome following her first-time consumption of ayahuasca in an indigenous ritual. The patient is a 31-year-old female who ingested an unknown quantity of yagé over two consecutive days in Cachipay, Cundinamarca. Given her clinical symptoms, she was considered to have serotonin syndrome and received treatment with adequate control of her condition. Multiple reports in the literature discuss psychotic disorders especially from DMT use in ayahuasca preparation; however, the occurrence of prolonged psychotic symptoms beyond 48 hours is considered exceptional and has been described in patients with personal and family histories of psychosis, mania, hypomania, or abuse of psychoactive substances.
Keywords: Serotonin syndrome; Ayahuasca; psychosis.
Keywords: Serotonin syndrome; Ayahuasca; psychosis.
Biography
Laura Isabella Ortega Muñoz, MD. Clinical Toxicologist, Epidemiologist from University Foundation of Health Sciences.