Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

The combination of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) poses a serious risk for the development of serotonin syndrome. This condition arises when there is an excessive accumulation of serotonin in the brain, often due to the use of multiple medications that enhance serotonin levels.

SSRIs increase serotonin availability by inhibiting its reuptake into neurons, while MAOIs prevent the breakdown of serotonin. When these two classes of drugs are used together, the risk of serotonin levels escalating to toxic levels rises significantly, which can lead to serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of this syndrome include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, seizures, hyperthermia, and even death.

While the other options present significant health concerns, they do not specifically relate to the pharmacological interactions between SSRIs and MAOIs. Respiratory depression and heart failure are not directly caused by the combination of these medications, nor is kidney failure a common concern associated with their concomitant use. Thus, the risk of serotonin syndrome is the critical and specific issue linked to combining SSRIs and MAOIs.