Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Methamphetamine
Severity: Major
Desvenlafaxine and Methamphetamine: 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 monoaminergic activity, so combined use raises the risk of serotonin syndrome and of elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Desvenlafaxine's weak CYP2D6 inhibition may also modestly raise methamphetamine levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Methamphetamine 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; Methamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic and noradrenergic effects, with minor CYP2D6 inhibition reducing methamphetamine clearance.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and signs of serotonin toxicity such as tremor, agitation and hyperthermia. Use the lowest effective doses and stop the serotonergic agents if serotonin syndrome occurs.
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 Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Methamphetamine
- Isocarboxazid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desvenlafaxine with Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desvenlafaxine and Methamphetamine 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 monoaminergic activity, so combined use raises the risk of serotonin syndrome and of elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Desvenlafaxine's weak CYP2D6 inhibition may also modestly raise methamphetamine levels.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and signs of serotonin toxicity such as tremor, agitation and hyperthermia. Use the lowest effective doses and stop the serotonergic agents if serotonin syndrome occurs.
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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