Mixing Migraine Meds and Antidepressants Can Be Dangerous

People taking migraine drugs together with some antidepressants are at risk of a life-threatening condition, according to a new FDA advisory.

The problem arises when people take migraine headache drugs called triptans with antidepressants known as selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs/SNRIs).

The combination can cause seritonin syndrome. The syndrome occurs when the body has too much of the nervous system chemical serotonin.

People taking both drugs classes can experience restlessness, hallucinations, loss of coordination, fast heart beat, rapid changes in blood pressure, increased body temperature, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Commonly prescribed SSRIs include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Lexapro. SNRIs include Cymbalta and Effexor. Triptans include Amerge, Axert, Imitrex and Zomig.

The FDA has asked the manufacturers of all three types of drugs to update their prescribing information to warn of the potential risk of serotonin syndrome.

Patients should talk to a doctor before stopping either medication, the FDA said.


FDA health advisory.

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SSRI Risk of Suicide Twice That of Placebos

The British Medical Journal reported this week that GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Paxil, recently sent a letter to doctors saying the drug caused a six-fold increase in the risk of suicidal behavior. But Paxil isn't the only SSRI with suicide risks.

An analysis and comment published in the July 8 issue of the BMJ said that current practices and research methods tend to exaggerate the benefits and underestimate the risks of suicide posed by all SSRIs.

The study included a meta-analysis of published trials and found that the likely risk of suicide for patients taking SSRIs compared to a placebo was 2.6 -- more than twice the risk.

The author, David Healy, Professor of Psychiatry at Cardiff University, said bodies like the Food and Drug Administration do not always act in the best interest of patients. Healy said that drugs regulators and manufacturers are "too close".