Serotonin

Brain

Main location of serotonin type-1 (5HT-1) receptors

Buspirone

5HT-1A receptor partial agonist indicated for generalized anxiety disorder; due to longer onset of action, is less effective for acute anxiety

Sumatriptan and -triptans

5HT-1D/1B agonist used for migraine headaches

Ergotamine

Ergot alkaloid indicated for migraine headaches

Uterine contractions

Reason ergot alkaloids are contraindicated in pregnancy

Prolonged vasospasm and hallucinations resembling psychosis

Adverse effects of ergot alkaloids (2)

Nitroprusside, nitroglycerin

Medications used off-label for ischemia and gangrene caused by ergot alkaloid overdose (2)

5HT2

Serotonin receptor responsible for serotonin syndrome

Cyproheptadine

H1 antihistamine with 5HT2 antagonist activity that is mostly used for carcinoid tumor but may be used to treat serotonin syndrome

GI tract, vomiting center of medulla

Location of serotonin type-3 (5HT-3) receptors (2)

Ondansetron (-setrons)

5HT-3 antagonist used for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting