When prescribing medications, be vigilant about drug interactions that increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity. Key interactions to be aware of include the combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including non-reversible MAOIs like phenelzine and MAO-B inhibitors such as selegiline and rasagiline, which are contraindicated due to high risk of serotonin toxicity NICE CG91.
SSRIs should also not be co-prescribed with other serotonergic agents such as triptans used for migraine, as this combination can precipitate serotonin syndrome NICE CG91. Additionally, combining SSRIs with other antidepressants or lithium augmentation should generally be managed by specialist mental health professionals because of the increased risk of adverse interactions including serotonin syndrome NICE CG91.
Other medications that may contribute to serotonin syndrome when combined with serotonergic antidepressants include certain analgesics like tramadol and some recreational drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA), which can dangerously elevate serotonin levels Dobry et al. 2013. Careful review of all patient medications and substances is essential.
While SSRIs are preferred for their safety profile, caution is advised when prescribing them alongside non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, warfarin, or heparin due to bleeding risks, though these do not directly cause serotonin syndrome, they complicate management NICE CG91.
In summary, the most critical drug interactions leading to serotonin syndrome involve combinations of SSRIs with MAOIs, triptans, other serotonergic antidepressants, lithium, and certain opioids or recreational drugs. Specialist advice should be sought if there is uncertainty, and safer alternatives such as mirtazapine, trazodone, mianserin, or reboxetine may be considered to avoid these interactions NICE CG91.
Pharmacodynamic considerations emphasize that serotonin syndrome results from additive serotonergic effects, so any combination of drugs increasing serotonin levels or receptor stimulation should be carefully evaluated Preskorn 2019Schellander 2010.
Key References
- CG91 - Depression in adults with a chronic physical health problem: recognition and management
- CG113 - Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: management
- NG222 - Depression in adults: treatment and management
- CG31 - Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder: treatment
- (Schellander and Donnerer, 2010): Antidepressants: clinically relevant drug interactions to be considered.
- (Dobry et al., 2013): Ecstasy use and serotonin syndrome: a neglected danger to adolescents and young adults prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
- (Preskorn, 2019): Drug-Drug Interactions (DDIs) in Psychiatric Practice, Part 6: Pharmacodynamic Considerations.