The use of serotonin-raising drugs like antidepressants and slimming pills in combination may trigger a stroke, according to a new study.
Many drugs in common use work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a natural chemical with many different roles in the body. Examples include diet pills, anti-migraine drugs and some of the newer antidepressants, as well as the recreational drug Ecstasy.

Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital now warn of the potential dangers of using such drugs in combination. They may narrow the blood vessels in the brain to such an extent that a stroke is precipitated. The experts warn that doctors should consider the possibility of these drugs being the culprit whenever a patient reports a sudden, severe headache. It might not be obvious, for instance, that someone has been using a diet drug from a private clinic as well as a prescribed antidepressant. On no account should such patients be prescribed other serotonin drugs - like a migraine treatment - if they suddenly get a bad headache or even develop seizures. The report underlines the importance of doctors being aware of all the drugs a patient might be taking.