The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning regarding the possibility that the chemical compound methylene blue may interact with antidepressants, leading to a dangerous build up of serotonin in the brain.
Methylene blue is used in a variety of medical applications. It may be used to treat methemoglobinemia, vasoplegic syndrome, ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy and cyanide poisoning. It may also be used as a dye in therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
The build up of excess serotonin in the brain, called serotonin syndrome, causes symptoms such as confusion, hyperactivity, memory problems, muscle twitching, excessive sweating, shivering, shaking, diarrhea, coordination problems and/or fever. If left untreated, serotonin syndrome can be fatal.
The exact mechanism for this interaction is unknown, but methylene blue is known to inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase A, an enzyme which helps break down serotonin in the brain. When combined with antidepressants, which also affect serotonin levels, serotonin may build up to dangerous levels.
Treatment for serotonin syndrome involves discontinuing the medications and controlling the symptoms until the condition subsides.
You should never discontinue your medication without your doctor's advice. If you have concerns about your medications, please discuss them with your personal physician. If you experience any of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, seek medical assistance immediately.
Please visit the link below for a complete list of antidepressants which may interact with methylene blue.
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