Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Vortioxetine
Severity: Major
Desvenlafaxine and Vortioxetine: 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
Combining a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with vortioxetine increases the risk of serotonin syndrome and adverse effects such as hypertension and nausea.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Vortioxetine 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; Vortioxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity from combined transporter inhibition and receptor effects.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and choose a single antidepressant. If switching, taper the first agent and monitor for serotonin toxicity.
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 Vortioxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vortioxetine 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 Vortioxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desvenlafaxine and Vortioxetine 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. Combining a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with vortioxetine increases the risk of serotonin syndrome and adverse effects such as hypertension and nausea.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Vortioxetine?
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 concurrent use and choose a single antidepressant. If switching, taper the first agent and monitor for serotonin toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Vortioxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vortioxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Vortioxetine page.
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