Drug Safety and Availability > FDA Drug Safety Communication: Serious CNS reactions possible when linezolid (Zyvox®) is given to patients taking certain psychiatric medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of serious central nervous system (CNS) reactions when the antibacterial drug linezolid (marketed as Zyvox®) is given to patients taking psychiatric medications that work through the serotonin system of the brain (serotonergic psychiatric medications).

Although the exact mechanism of this drug interaction is unknown, linezolid inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase A—an enzyme responsible for breaking down serotonin in the brain. It is believed that when linezolid is given to patients taking serotonergic psychiatric medications, high levels of serotonin can build up in the brain, causing toxicity. This is referred to as Serotonin Syndrome—signs and symptoms include mental changes (confusion, hyperactivity, memory problems), muscle twitching, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, diarrhea, trouble with coordination, and/or fever.

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