Author |
Topic: FDA warning on combining triptans and (Read 282 times) |
|
jon019
Guest
|
 |
FDA warning on combining triptans and
« on: Oct 3rd, 2006, 6:49pm » |
 Quote  Modify
 Remove
|
Recalls and Safety Alerts
Warning on Combining Triptans and SSRIs/SNRIs
FDA has alerted healthcare professionals about a possible life-threatening condition that can occur when triptans (e.g., Imitrex) are taken concomitantly with SSRIs (e.g., Paxil and Prozac) or SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta)
All of these drug increase serotonin and if they are taken together, they can produce excessively high serotonin levels. This can lead to serotonin syndrome, which is a rare, but serious and sometimes fatal condition that can result in wide variety of signs and symptoms including changes in mental status, autonomic instability, neuromuscular abnormalities and gastrointestinal symptoms. The risk of developing the syndrome is greatest immediately after a new serotonergic drug is started or the dose is increased.
SSRIs and SNRIs are both used to treat depression and other mood disorders, and triptans are used to treat migraines. So a patient might be regularly taking an antidepressant, and then intermittently taking a triptan to treat a migraine episode. In fact, drug usage data suggest that over a one year period, about 20% of people prescribed a triptan might also be taking an SSRI.
Physicians prescribing a triptan, SSRI or SNRI should:
• keep in mind that triptans are often used intermittently and that either the triptan, SSRI or SNRI may be prescribed by a different physician
• weigh the potential risk of serotonin syndrome with the expected benefit of using a triptan with an SSRI or SNRI
• discuss the possibility of serotonin syndrome with patients if a triptan and an SSRI or SNRI will be used together
• follow patients closely if a triptan and an SSRI or SNRI are used together, particularly during treatment initiation, with dose increases, or with the addition of another serotonergic medication
• instruct patients who take a triptan and an SSRI or SNRI together to seek medical attention immediately if they experience the symptoms of serotonin syndrome (described above). Patients should also talk to their physician before stopping their medication.
Additional Information:
FDA MedWatch Safety Alert 2006 – 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor Agonists (Triptans); Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs); Selective Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) - July 19, 2006
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2006/safety06.htm#Triptans
|
|
 IP Logged |
|
|
|
Karla
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
One of Many and Never Alone - Join OUCH
 
Gender: 
Posts: 3090
|
|
Re: FDA warning on combining triptans and
« Reply #1 on: Oct 4th, 2006, 9:10pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Thanks for sharring this info Jon. Do I hear any class action law suits for those suffering from an interaction? hmmm
|
|
IP Logged |
Karla
suffer chronic ch
ch.com groupie since 1999
Proud Mom of Chris USMC Semper Fi
|
|
|
thebbz
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Ow,Ow,Ow
Gender: 
Posts: 2181
|
|
Re: FDA warning on combining triptans and
« Reply #2 on: Oct 4th, 2006, 9:35pm » |
Quote Modify
|
 always love the info here
Thanks
jb
|
|
IP Logged |
It wasn't me I didn't do it
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Help
Search
Members
Member Map
Login
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print
test rss