Drug interactions
Dihydroergotamine + Venlafaxine
Severity: Moderate
Dihydroergotamine and Venlafaxine: 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
Dihydroergotamine has serotonin receptor agonist activity and may contribute to serotonin toxicity when combined with venlafaxine. The reported risk is low, but the combination is also relevant because DHE is a vasoconstrictor.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dihydroergotamine and Venlafaxine 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.
Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from serotonin reuptake inhibition and 5-HT receptor agonism.
What to do
Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome and counsel patients to report agitation, tremor or fever. Limit DHE to the lowest effective dosing frequency.
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 Venlafaxine
- Isocarboxazid + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dihydroergotamine
- Almotriptan + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dihydroergotamine with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dihydroergotamine and Venlafaxine 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. Dihydroergotamine has serotonin receptor agonist activity and may contribute to serotonin toxicity when combined with venlafaxine. The reported risk is low, but the combination is also relevant because DHE is a vasoconstrictor.
How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine and Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome and counsel patients to report agitation, tremor or fever. Limit DHE to the lowest effective dosing frequency.
What other medicines interact with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Venlafaxine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Venlafaxine page.
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