Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Trazodone
Severity: Moderate
Desvenlafaxine and Trazodone: 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
Trazodone has serotonergic activity, and with an SNRI it may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. The combination is sometimes used for insomnia in depression but needs vigilance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Trazodone 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; Trazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from SNRI reuptake inhibition and trazodone's serotonin reuptake inhibition and receptor activity.
What to do
Start trazodone at a low dose and monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity. Reduce or stop one drug if symptoms emerge.
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 Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desvenlafaxine with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desvenlafaxine and Trazodone 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. Trazodone has serotonergic activity, and with an SNRI it may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. The combination is sometimes used for insomnia in depression but needs vigilance.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Trazodone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start trazodone at a low dose and monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity. Reduce or stop one drug if symptoms emerge.
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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