Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Morphine
Severity: Moderate
Desvenlafaxine and Morphine: 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
Combining opioids with serotonergic antidepressants carries a risk of serotonin syndrome, although morphine is weakly serotonergic and the risk is low. Features include agitation, tremor, clonus, sweating and hyperthermia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Morphine 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.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System; Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effects from SNRI reuptake inhibition combined with the weak serotonergic activity of morphine.
What to do
Usually acceptable; monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity, particularly after dose increases. Discontinue and treat supportively if it develops.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
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 Morphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desvenlafaxine and Morphine 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. Combining opioids with serotonergic antidepressants carries a risk of serotonin syndrome, although morphine is weakly serotonergic and the risk is low. Features include agitation, tremor, clonus, sweating and hyperthermia.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Morphine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Usually acceptable; monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity, particularly after dose increases. Discontinue and treat supportively if it develops.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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