FDA Warns on Interaction Between Antidepressants and Migraine Drugs

The FDA yesterday issued a public health advisory, warning that serotonin syndrome may occur when triptans are used at the same time as SSRIs or SNRIs (selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors).

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include restlessness, hallucinations, loss of coordination, fast heart beat, rapid changes in blood pressure, increased body temperature, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The condition is life-threatening, according to the FDA, and may be more likely to occur when starting or increasing the dose of a triptan, SSRI, or SNRI.

The FDA advisory offers a number of recommendations for physicians prescribing these drugs, including telling patients to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms of the syndrome. The agency has also asked manufacturers to update prescribing information to warn of the potential interaction.