Table 16.2-4. Serotonergic agents that can cause serotonin syndrome categorized into mechanisms

Mechanism

Agents

Decreased serotonin breakdown

– MAOIs

– Antibiotics: linezolid, tedizolid

– Procarbazine

Decreased serotonin reuptake

– SSRIs: fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline

– SNRIs: venlafaxine, duloxetine, milnacipran

– TCAs: clomipramine, imipramine, amitriptyline

– Herbal: St John’s wort

– Opioids: meperidine (INN pethidine), buprenorphine, tramadol, tapentadol, dextromethorphan

– Antiepileptics/mood stabilizers: valproate, carbamazepine

– Antiemetics: ondansetron, metoclopramide

Increased serotonin precursors and agonists

– Tryptophan

– Lithium carbonate

– Fentanyl

– LSD

Increased serotonin release

– Amphetamines

– Cocaine

– MDMA

Drug-drug interactions

– Inhibitors of CYP2D6

– Inhibitors of CYP3A4

– Antibiotics: erythromycin, ciprofloxacin

– Antifungal: fluconazole

– Antiretroviral: ritonavir

LSD, lysergic acid diethylamide; MAOI, monoamine oxidase inhibitor; MDMA, 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine; SNRI, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; TCA, tricyclic antidepressant.