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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> FDA warning on combining triptans and
        
(Message started by: jon019 on Oct 3^rd, 2006, 6:49pm)

Title: FDA warning on combining triptans and
Post by jon019 on Oct 3^rd, 2006, 6:49pm

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

Title: Re: FDA warning on combining triptans and
Post by Karla on Oct 4^th, 2006, 9:10pm

Thanks for sharring this info Jon. Do I hear any class action law suits for those suffering from an interaction? hmmm

Title: Re: FDA warning on combining triptans and
Post by thebbz on Oct 4^th, 2006, 9:35pm

[smiley=bow.gif] always love the info here
Thanks
jb