Would Dementia Due To A Toxic Storm With Lexapro, Tramadol And Other Steroids Get Alleviated Through Treatment?

Posted on Fri, 25 Mar 2022

Question: My husband had what the dr called a toxic storm after being given lexapro, tramadol and four does of steroids. They say this is reason for dementia. Will it ever end?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Usually lasts a few days only. If persists may need to rule out other cause

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Lexapro and tramadol both increase serotonin levels, when medications that increase serotonin levels are combined, it can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome that is associated with agitation, loss of balance, change in mental status (eg being delirious, confused, memory loss, excessively drowsy etc), shivering, tremor.

Most persons resolve without any residual effects if appropriate care has been provided.

In most cases, the symptoms resolve within 2 to 4 days.

If the symptoms have continued beyond that point then they may want to reassess to make sure that there are no other causes that need to be excluded.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar