Psychiatry

Answer 8 Serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is characterized by autonomic instability, neuromuscular abnormalities, and altered level of consciousness. Selegiline is a type B monoamine oxidase inhibitor that inhibits the catabolism of dopamine and enhances dopamine activity. Development of serotonin syndrome is a rare but possible side effect of combining selegiline and SSRIs.13 Although selegiline use is not an absolute contraindication to an SSRI trial,11 the risk should be considered and discussed with the patient before initiating an SSRI. REFERENCES 11. Okun MS, Watts RL. Depression associated with Parkinson’s disease: clinical features and treatment. Neurology 2002;58(4 Suppl 1):S63-70. 13. Ritter JL, Alexander B. Retrospective study of selegiline-antidepressant drug interactions and a review of the literature. Ann Clin Psychiatry 1997;9:7-13. Click here to return to the questions

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