Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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Which medication class should not be taken with triptans?

Beta-blockers
SSRIs
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics

The correct answer is: SSRIs

Triptans, which are commonly used to treat migraine headaches, interact notably with serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin Syndrome is a potential risk when these medications are combined with others that also increase serotonin levels. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that work by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, thus increasing its availability. When SSRIs are taken in conjunction with triptans, the cumulative effect on serotonin activity can lead to dangerously elevated levels, resulting in symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome, which include confusion, rapid heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. In contrast, while beta-blockers and certain antidepressants can be prescribed along with triptans, they do not pose the same increased risk regarding serotonin levels. Antipsychotics, depending on their mechanism, may not interact directly with serotonin to any significant extent, particularly when discussing the risk of Serotonin Syndrome. Therefore, the combination of triptans and SSRIs is particularly contraindicated due to the heightened risk of serotonin-related complications.