American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What role does cyproheptadine play in treating Serotonin Syndrome?

1. It induces hyperthermia

2. It inhibits serotonin activity

3. It increases CNS depression

4. It causes respiratory depression

The correct answer is: It inhibits serotonin activity

Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with notable antiserotonergic properties, making it particularly effective in the treatment of Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin Syndrome occurs due to excess serotonin in the central nervous system, often from the use of serotonergic medications. By inhibiting serotonin activity, cyproheptadine helps to counteract the elevated serotonin levels responsible for the symptoms of this syndrome, which can include confusion, hyperreflexia, tremors, and autonomic instability. This mechanism is vital in alleviating the clinical manifestations associated with Serotonin Syndrome, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. The other options focus on effects that are not relevant to the therapeutic role of cyproheptadine in this context. Inducing hyperthermia would only exacerbate the condition, and increasing CNS depression or causing respiratory depression are concerns usually tied to other medications rather than a desirable effect of cyproheptadine in managing Serotonin Syndrome. Thus, the choice of cyproheptadine specifically for its ability to inhibit serotonin activity aligns with the needs of addressing this potentially life-threatening condition.