A common medication used for treating migraines has been linked to a serotonin syndrome in some rare cases. It was already known that when triptans are used in combination with SSRIs that there is a possibility of a serotonin syndrome. The fact that triptans alone can cause the syndrome is of great interest.
The serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, and the result of this can be “mental status changes, overactive reflexes, muscle spasms, fever, uncoordinated movements, heavy sweating and nausea of vomiting”.
T
hose with migraine headaches may be more at risk because migraine medications used to prevent the migraine, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro and Prozac, are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) effect the amount of serotonin in the brain. So do the drugs Imitrex, Zomig, Frova, Maxalt and Axert, which are triptans, or selective serotonin receptor agonists which raise the amount of serotonin available in the brain.
The serotonin syndrome, associated with only triptans, was found to be in people with an average age of 39.9. The most common symptoms included “tremors, stiffness, palpitations, high blood pressure and agitation. Some cases were life-threatening.
The syndrome itself is rare and if any of the symptoms are experienced it is suggested to stop taking the medication in consultation with your doctor.
[Source: MedLinePlus]
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