Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Venlafaxine
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine 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
Cyproheptadine blocks serotonin receptors and may reduce the antidepressant effect of venlafaxine. Case reports describe loss of antidepressant efficacy with SSRIs and similar agents.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine 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.
Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism of 5-HT2 receptors by cyproheptadine, opposing serotonergic effects of venlafaxine.
What to do
Monitor for relapse of depressive or anxiety symptoms. Reassess the need for cyproheptadine if response declines.
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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine Major
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 Cyproheptadine with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine 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. Cyproheptadine blocks serotonin receptors and may reduce the antidepressant effect of venlafaxine. Case reports describe loss of antidepressant efficacy with SSRIs and similar agents.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine 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: Monitor for relapse of depressive or anxiety symptoms. Reassess the need for cyproheptadine if response declines.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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