## **Core Concept**
The question tests the understanding of drug interactions, specifically the serotonin syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the central nervous system. This condition can occur when certain medications are taken together.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient's symptoms, including tachycardia, hypertension, hyperpyrexia, and seizures, following the administration of meperidine, suggest serotonin syndrome. Meperidine is an opioid that can act as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor at high doses. When taken with other serotonergic agents, it can precipitate serotonin syndrome. The history of the patient taking a medicine for a psychiatric condition suggests that this medication could be contributing to the serotonin syndrome.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** While certain antipsychotics can have serotonergic effects, they are less likely to cause a significant interaction leading to serotonin syndrome compared to other options listed.
- **Option B:** This option might seem plausible but is not as directly implicated in serotonin syndrome when combined with meperidine compared to other choices.
- **Option C:** Although some antidepressants can cause serotonin syndrome, they are not the most likely culprit in this scenario given the context.
- **Option D:** This option is not directly related to the scenario described.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)** are notorious for causing serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic agents like meperidine. MAOIs are used in some psychiatric conditions and can have dangerous interactions with various drugs.
## **Correct Answer:** .
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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