Several case reports describe the development of
serotonin syndrome in patients given
linezolid with
SSRIs (citalopram, fluoxetine,
paroxetine and sertraline are implicated).
The interaction is probably rare. The manufacturers of
linezolid say that patients taking
SSRIs should have their blood pressure monitored and be closely observed (presumably for
symptoms of
serotonin syndrome e.g. agitation, diarrhoea, fever, hyperreflexia) if given
linezolid. They say that if this is not possible, concurrent use should be avoided. See also
serotonin syndrome.