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Tramadol and SSRI — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCNS TherapeuticsTramadol and SSRIGPhC CRA

A patient taking citalopram receives tramadol for back pain from an out-of-hours service. They ask whether both can be taken together. What is the most important interaction to flag?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Serotonin toxicity risk with additive serotonergic effects

Tramadol has serotonergic properties and can interact with SSRIs. The best answer addresses the key safety, legal or pharmaceutical care issue in the vignette. The other options would either delay appropriate care, create a new risk, or fail to resolve the issue. This is consistent with the cited UK reference for safe pharmacy practice.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS