Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Venlafaxine
Severity: Moderate
Amiodarone and Venlafaxine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Venlafaxine can prolong the QT interval, especially in overdose or at high doses, and amiodarone adds to this effect. The risk of torsades de pointes is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Venlafaxine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QTc prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes. Use the lowest effective venlafaxine dose or switch if QTc lengthens.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Other interactions of Venlafaxine
- Isocarboxazid + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amiodarone and Venlafaxine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Venlafaxine can prolong the QT interval, especially in overdose or at high doses, and amiodarone adds to this effect. The risk of torsades de pointes is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes. Use the lowest effective venlafaxine dose or switch if QTc lengthens.
What other medicines interact with Amiodarone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amiodarone with, for example, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Amiodarone page.
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