American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

The first-line treatment for serotonin syndrome is the use of benzodiazepines. This condition is characterized by an excess of serotonin in the central nervous system, often resulting from the use of certain medications or drug interactions. Benzodiazepines are effective in managing the agitation, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability associated with serotonin syndrome. By providing sedation and muscle relaxation, benzodiazepines help alleviate the distress from the symptoms.

Other options, while potentially relevant in treating various psychiatric conditions or complications, are not specifically tailored to address serotonin syndrome. Antidepressants may exacerbate the condition, and opioids do not directly impact serotonin levels or the symptoms related to serotonin toxicity. Antipsychotics can sometimes be used to manage severe agitation or psychosis, but they are not a primary treatment approach for serotonin syndrome. Thus, benzodiazepines are preferred due to their direct effectiveness in treating the immediate symptoms of this syndrome.