Serotonin syndrome secondary to phenelzine-venlafaxine interaction.
A 44-year-old woman accidentally ingested phenelzine along with venlafaxine. Thirty minutes after the ingestion the woman began to feel nauseous and anxious. Approximately 45 minutes later a friend noted that the woman had lower extremity shaking and increasingly rapid respirations. The friend brought the woman to the emergency department and she was subsequently diagnosed with serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is usually precipitated by combinations of serotonin-potentiating agents and can lead to devastating outcomes. When using combinations of drugs that elevate serotonin levels in the central nervous system, the possibility of serotonin syndrome should be considered.
Weiner
L A
LA
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Smythe
M
M
Cisek
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000737:chemistry; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010624:Phenelzine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013577:Syndrome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D010624:Phenelzine; D012701:Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride