Drug interactions
Amoxapine + Venlafaxine
Severity: Major
Amoxapine and Venlafaxine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both drugs inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, so combining them increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Venlafaxine may also raise amoxapine levels via CYP2D6, with greater cardiac and anticholinergic toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amoxapine and Venlafaxine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic and noradrenergic effects, with possible CYP2D6 inhibition raising amoxapine exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If both are needed, use low doses, monitor for serotonin syndrome and consider ECG monitoring.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Amoxapine with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amoxapine and Venlafaxine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, so combining them increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Venlafaxine may also raise amoxapine levels via CYP2D6, with greater cardiac and anticholinergic toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Amoxapine and Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible. If both are needed, use low doses, monitor for serotonin syndrome and consider ECG monitoring.
What other medicines interact with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Venlafaxine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Venlafaxine page.
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