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SSRI-triptan serotonin syndrome risk — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateDrug InteractionsSSRI-triptan serotonin syndrome riskGPhC CRA

A 29-year-old man on citalopram 20 mg once daily for anxiety disorder attends the pharmacy to collect a prescription for sumatriptan 50 mg for migraine. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: A — Contact the prescriber to flag the risk of serotonin syndrome with concurrent use of an SSRI and a triptan

Concurrent use of SSRIs and triptans can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, although the clinical significance is debated and the combination is not absolutely contraindicated. The BNF flags this as an interaction to be aware of. The prescriber should be informed to ensure they are aware of the combination and have considered the risk-benefit. Absolute refusal to dispense is not warranted, but dispensing without raising the interaction would not be best practice.

Reference: BNF Drug Interactions; MHRA