Serotonin Syndrome Associated with Triptan Monotherapy

Abstract

To the Editor: Triptans are serotonin-receptor agonists used in the treatment of migraine headaches. When administered in combination with certain drugs, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), triptans may precipitate the serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a triad of clinical manifestations — changes in mental status, autonomic hyperactivity, and neuromuscular abnormalities.1,2 The cause of the serotonin syndrome is related to altered serotonin synthesis, release, reuptake, metabolism, or receptor agonism.3 We investigated whether triptan monotherapy is associated with the serotonin syndrome by searching for such cases in the Food and Drug Administration's . . .