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Linezolid and serotonergic antidepressants — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardDrug InteractionsLinezolid and serotonergic antidepressantsGPhC CRA

A 36-year-old man taking venlafaxine is prescribed linezolid for resistant cellulitis after microbiology advice. He asks why the pharmacist wants to contact the specialist team. What is the most important interaction to flag?

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Correct answer: B — Linezolid can increase serotonin toxicity risk with serotonergic antidepressants

Linezolid has monoamine oxidase inhibitor activity and can interact with serotonergic antidepressants, increasing serotonin syndrome risk. Specialist input may be appropriate where linezolid is necessary. The patient should be counselled about agitation, confusion, sweating, tremor and diarrhoea.

Reference: BNF