The nurse is caring for a patient with depression. When obtaining the patient's current medication list, the nurse notes that the patient is taking St. John's wort. What additional class of medication would most concern the nurse if the patient reports taking a medication in that class?

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2. The nurse would be most concerned about the patient taking an SSRI in conjunction with St. John's wort. Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, may occur if St. John's wort is used concomitantly with SSRIs. MAOIs, antipsychotics, and barbiturates do not cause potentially life-threatening conditions if taken concomitantly with SSRIs.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Depression