Pharmacology One-Liners Serotonin

5HT-1 receptors

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

Buspirone

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

Sumatriptan

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 and 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

5HT-3 receptors

Location of serotonin type-3 (5HT-3) receptors (2) → GI tract, vomiting center of medulla

Ondansetron

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