Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Dextromethorphan
Severity: Major
Desvenlafaxine and Dextromethorphan: 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 agents increase serotonergic activity, so the combination may lead to serotonin syndrome. The risk is higher at high doses or when other serotonergic drugs are present.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Dextromethorphan 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.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System; Dextromethorphan belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from SNRI reuptake inhibition and dextromethorphan.
What to do
Avoid dextromethorphan-containing products where an alternative exists. If used, keep to the lowest dose and monitor for serotonin toxicity.
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 Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desvenlafaxine with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desvenlafaxine and Dextromethorphan 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 agents increase serotonergic activity, so the combination may lead to serotonin syndrome. The risk is higher at high doses or when other serotonergic drugs are present.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Dextromethorphan?
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 dextromethorphan-containing products where an alternative exists. If used, keep to the lowest dose and monitor for serotonin toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextromethorphan with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Dextromethorphan page.
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