Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Sertraline
Severity: Major
Desvenlafaxine and Sertraline: 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 drugs enhance serotonergic neurotransmission, so combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Desvenlafaxine may also increase blood pressure, and sertraline may raise its exposure modestly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Sertraline 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; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity through inhibition of serotonin reuptake.
What to do
Avoid combining unless specialist-directed; use cross-tapering when switching. If combined, watch for agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, fever and diarrhea.
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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline 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 Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desvenlafaxine and Sertraline 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 drugs enhance serotonergic neurotransmission, so combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Desvenlafaxine may also increase blood pressure, and sertraline may raise its exposure modestly.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Sertraline?
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 combining unless specialist-directed; use cross-tapering when switching. If combined, watch for agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, fever and diarrhea.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
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