Can I take naratriptan with my antidepressant?

Maybe not. Naratriptan, used to treat migraine headaches, belongs to a drug class called "triptans," which are selective serotonin receptor agonists. Naratriptan treats an existing migraine by interfering with serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter chemical that affects many sites in the central nervous system.

When a triptan is combined with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) (commonly used antidepressants), a flood of serotonin activity can be produced. This interaction is called serotonin syndrome (or serotonin storm), which is potentially life threatening. Symptoms include mood changes, hallucinations, agitation, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, muscle spasms, sweating, high fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases it can cause coma and death.

If you are taking naratriptan, let your doctor and pharmacist know if you are also taking an SSRI or SNRI. You will need to be monitored closely for interaction effects.

List of SSRIs include:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)

List of SNRIs include:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)