St. John’s wort can interact with which type of medications to increase risk of serotonin syndrome?

St. John’s wort can interact with which type of medications to increase risk of serotonin syndrome?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs
• C. Antihistamines
• D. Anticoagulants only

Answer: (B)

Combining St. John’s wort with medications that raise serotonin can trigger serotonin syndrome. St. John’s wort increases serotonin levels, and when taken with serotonergic antidepressants—such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAO inhibitors—the risk of excessive serotonin action rises significantly. Serotonin syndrome can present with agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, fever, sweating, tremor, and muscle rigidity, and it requires prompt attention. Other options don’t fit this specific interaction as directly. Antibiotics, antihistamines, and anticoagulants aren’t typically associated with a serotonin surge when used with St. John’s wort.

Combining St. John’s wort with medications that raise serotonin can trigger serotonin syndrome. St. John’s wort increases serotonin levels, and when taken with serotonergic antidepressants—such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAO inhibitors—the risk of excessive serotonin action rises significantly. Serotonin syndrome can present with agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, fever, sweating, tremor, and muscle rigidity, and it requires prompt attention.

Other options don’t fit this specific interaction as directly. Antibiotics, antihistamines, and anticoagulants aren’t typically associated with a serotonin surge when used with St. John’s wort.