Mixing antidepressants with common drugs found in your medicine cabinet could lead to Serotonin Syndrome, a condition caused by excessive levels of the chemical in the brain.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo conducted a wide-ranging review of existing publications on serotonin syndrome. They identified specific drug interactions—including those involving antidepressants known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which when taken in combination with some pain medications, cough medicine, and some natural remedies can contribute to serotonin syndrome.
People with serotonin syndrome may experience nervousness, difficulty sleeping, nausea and diarrhea, tremors, and dilated pupils. As toxicity increases, these symptoms can become more severe, affecting movement, autonomic responses (temperature, increased heart rate and breathing), and the ability to think clearly. Serotonin syndrome is rare but can be fatal if the toxic levels of the chemical are not addressed.
Read more at University of Waterloo