Name a potential major drug interaction when prescribing SSRIs.

Name a potential major drug interaction when prescribing SSRIs.

• A. Stimulants
• B. Antihistamines
• C. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
• D. Beta-blockers

Answer: (C)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) produce a significant and potentially dangerous drug interaction when prescribed alongside Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Both of these classes of medications influence serotonin levels in the brain, but they do so via different mechanisms. SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, whereas MAOIs inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for the breakdown of serotonin and other monoamines. When SSRIs and MAOIs are combined, the risk of serotonin syndrome increases dramatically. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. Symptoms may include abnormal muscle movements, agitation, confusion, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and, in severe cases, can lead to seizures or death. Consequently, health care providers must ensure that a sufficient washout period is observed when transitioning patients from an MAOI to an SSRI or vice versa. In contrast, the other choices—stimulants, antihistamines, and beta-blockers—do not typically present such a severe interaction with SSRIs as they impact different neurotransmitter systems or have lesser effects on

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) produce a significant and potentially dangerous drug interaction when prescribed alongside Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Both of these classes of medications influence serotonin levels in the brain, but they do so via different mechanisms. SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, whereas MAOIs inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for the breakdown of serotonin and other monoamines.

When SSRIs and MAOIs are combined, the risk of serotonin syndrome increases dramatically. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. Symptoms may include abnormal muscle movements, agitation, confusion, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and, in severe cases, can lead to seizures or death. Consequently, health care providers must ensure that a sufficient washout period is observed when transitioning patients from an MAOI to an SSRI or vice versa.

In contrast, the other choices—stimulants, antihistamines, and beta-blockers—do not typically present such a severe interaction with SSRIs as they impact different neurotransmitter systems or have lesser effects on