Case Report

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor-induced Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Irinotecan

Authors: Sarah Richards, MD, Jay N. Umbreit, MD, PHD, Michael P. Fanucchi, MD, Joan Giblin, MS, APN, Fadlo Khuri, MD

Abstract

A 74-year-old man was admitted with rhabdomyolysis after undergoing initial treatment for gastrointestinal cancer with irinotecan. The syndrome partially resolved after the discontinuation of all of his usual medications, including his chronic selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The rhabdomyolysis was exacerbated upon reinitiation of the SSRI and disappeared when the SSRI was discontinued. The combination of irinotecan and SSRI resulted in potentially lethal rhabdomyolysis.

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