Migraine medications and antidepressants: A risky mix?

Date Updated: 02/27/2021

Answer Section

Reports have suggested that combining migraine medications called triptans with certain antidepressants — including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) — could increase your chances of developing a serious condition called serotonin syndrome, but the risk appears to be very low.

Serotonin syndrome occurs when your body has too much serotonin, a chemical found in your nervous system. A variety of drugs and drug combinations may cause this to occur.

SSRIs and SNRIs raise serotonin levels. Triptans interact directly with some serotonin receptors in the brain. When these medications are taken together, they theoretically could cause much higher levels of serotonin and stimulation of serotonin receptors in your system than you'd experience if you were taking only one of these medications.

Fortunately, serotonin syndrome appears to be rare among people taking triptans with SSRIs or SNRIs. The drugs have safely been used together for many years, which is significant because anxiety and depression are common in people with migraines and each condition needs to be treated appropriately.

However, serotonin syndrome is a serious condition that you should be aware of if you're taking migraine medications and antidepressants. Signs and symptoms may occur within minutes to hours of taking the drugs and may include:

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Fever
Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
Changes in blood pressure
Overactive reflexes (hyperreflexia)
Tremor
Extreme agitation or restlessness
Hallucinations
Loss of coordination
Skin flushing
Shivering
Confusion
Seizures
Coma

If you experience signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome, seek immediate medical attention. Left untreated, serotonin syndrome may be fatal.

There may also be a risk of interactions between other antidepressants and migraine medications. Antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can cause an increase in the level of triptans in your blood and slow the breakdown of serotonin.

If you're taking migraine medications and antidepressants, talk to your doctor, especially if you notice any changes in your health. Don't stop or change the dosages of any of your medications on your own.