Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Donepezil
Severity: Minor
Desvenlafaxine and Donepezil: minor 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
Desvenlafaxine may slightly raise donepezil levels via CYP2D6 inhibition, which could increase cholinergic effects such as nausea, bradycardia and vivid dreams. The effect is expected to be small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Donepezil have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System; Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak CYP2D6 inhibition reduces donepezil metabolism.
What to do
No routine dose change; monitor heart rate and gastrointestinal tolerability, particularly after desvenlafaxine dose increases.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desvenlafaxine with Donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desvenlafaxine and Donepezil have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Desvenlafaxine may slightly raise donepezil levels via CYP2D6 inhibition, which could increase cholinergic effects such as nausea, bradycardia and vivid dreams. The effect is expected to be small.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Donepezil?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change; monitor heart rate and gastrointestinal tolerability, particularly after desvenlafaxine dose increases.
What other medicines interact with Desvenlafaxine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desvenlafaxine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Desvenlafaxine page.
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