Health
FDA warns about combining antidepressants, migraine meds
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Oct. 23, 2006
Patients who take a triptan drug along with either a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor are at risk for developing serotonin syndrome, according to a warning from the Food and Drug Administration published this month in Patient Safety News. A MedWatch safety alert was issued in July.
About 20% of patients prescribed a triptan may also be taking these types of antidepressants, the FDA said.
The FDA is asking physicians to discuss the possibility of serotonin syndrome and follow closely those patients who regularly take both of these drugs, particularly when the regimen is being initiated or changed. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of this adverse event.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/10/23/hlbf1023.htm.