Serotonin syndrome after initiation of pregabalin on a stable regimen of antidepressant medication

Aims: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening drug interaction caused by excess serotonin concentration in the central nervous system and/or peripheral nervous system leading to cognitive, autonomic and somatic effects ranging from barely perceptible to fatal. A number of drugs and drug interactions cause serotonin syndrome, however, the exact mechanisms often remain elusive. Presentation of Case: In the following case, serotonin syndrome was caused by the addition of pregabalin in a patient with recurrent major depressive disorder and concurrent medication with paroxetine and trazodone. Discussion: This case illustrates the risk of polypsychopharmacology leading to an increased vulnerability towards serotonin syndrome. Conclusion: Pregabalin with its serotonergic action has a liability to cause serotonin syndrome. This should be especially kept in mind in patients with polypsychopharmacology. DOI: 10.9734/IJMPCR/2016/28356 Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: http://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-130412 Published Version Originally published at: Jellestad, Lena; Stocker, Lea; Jenewein, Josef; Boettger, Soenke (2016). Serotonin syndrome after initiation of pregabalin on a stable regimen of antidepressant medication. International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Case Reports, 7(5):1-4. DOI: 10.9734/IJMPCR/2016/28356