Myelosuppression and serotonin syndrome associated with concurrent use of linezolid and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in bone marrow transplant recipients.
We report 2 cases of serotonin syndrome and myelosuppression in bone marrow transplant recipients who received linezolid in combination with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Given the risks to patients in this high-risk group, we recommend that this combination of medications be avoided if alternative antibiotic therapy is possible. If no alternative therapy is possible, prescribers should discontinue SSRI therapy and monitor these patients closely for evidence of serotonin syndrome or the development of hematological toxicity.
Hachem
Ray Y
RY
Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. rhachem@mdanderson.org
Hicks
Krystal
K
Huen
Auris
A
Raad
Issam
I
D000081:Acetamides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069349:Linezolid; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D023303:Oxazolidinones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020230:Serotonin Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000081:Acetamides; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000069349:Linezolid; D023303:Oxazolidinones; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors