Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Remifentanil
Severity: Moderate
Desvenlafaxine and Remifentanil: 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
Opioids combined with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors may precipitate serotonin syndrome. Remifentanil is a weak serotonergic agent, so the risk is low, but the potential outcome is serious.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Remifentanil 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; Remifentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from SNRI reuptake inhibition and opioid activity.
What to do
Watch for clonus, agitation, hyperthermia and autonomic instability, especially after dose changes. Discontinue the serotonergic drugs and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome 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 Remifentanil
- Alvimopan + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Remifentanil Major
- Brexanolone + Remifentanil 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 Remifentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desvenlafaxine and Remifentanil 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. Opioids combined with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors may precipitate serotonin syndrome. Remifentanil is a weak serotonergic agent, so the risk is low, but the potential outcome is serious.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Remifentanil?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Watch for clonus, agitation, hyperthermia and autonomic instability, especially after dose changes. Discontinue the serotonergic drugs and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome develops.
What other medicines interact with Remifentanil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Remifentanil with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Remifentanil page.
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