Which adverse drug interaction with MAO inhibitors is a concern with meperidine?

Which adverse drug interaction with MAO inhibitors is a concern with meperidine?

• A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
• B. Serotonin Syndrome
• C. Malignant Hyperthermia
• D. Nociceptive Hyperalgesia

Answer: (B)

MAO inhibitors raise serotonin levels by blocking its breakdown. Meperidine also has serotonergic activity and can increase serotonin release. When these are combined, serotonin in the central nervous system can become excessive, leading to serotonin syndrome. This presents with mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular findings such as myoclonus and hyperreflexia, which is why this interaction is the concern. The other options describe different conditions not caused by this drug combination: neuroleptic malignant syndrome relates to antipsychotics, malignant hyperthermia to certain anesthetics in susceptible individuals, and nociceptive hyperalgesia is a heightened pain response rather than a drug interaction syndrome.

MAO inhibitors raise serotonin levels by blocking its breakdown. Meperidine also has serotonergic activity and can increase serotonin release. When these are combined, serotonin in the central nervous system can become excessive, leading to serotonin syndrome. This presents with mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular findings such as myoclonus and hyperreflexia, which is why this interaction is the concern. The other options describe different conditions not caused by this drug combination: neuroleptic malignant syndrome relates to antipsychotics, malignant hyperthermia to certain anesthetics in susceptible individuals, and nociceptive hyperalgesia is a heightened pain response rather than a drug interaction syndrome.