Which of the following is used to treat serotonin syndrome?

• A. Magnesium drip
• B. Watch for reflexes and respiratory rate
• C. Calcium gluconate
• D. Benzodiazepine

Answer: (D)

Serotonin syndrome results from excessive serotonin activity and presents with agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, and autonomic changes. The treatment goal is to calm the nervous system and reduce neuromuscular excitability while stopping the offending medication. A benzodiazepine is the best choice here because it provides rapid sedation, lowers agitation, decreases tremor and muscle rigidity, and dampens the autonomic surge—helping to prevent progression as the body's serotonin levels normalize. The other options don’t actively address the syndrome: monitoring reflexes and breathing is important for safety but isn’t a treatment; magnesium or calcium gluconate aren’t standard therapies for serotonin syndrome and don’t counteract the excess serotonergic activity. In some cases, a specific serotonin receptor antagonist like cyproheptadine may be used, but that isn’t listed among the options.