Drug interactions
Donepezil + Venlafaxine
Severity: Moderate
Donepezil 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
Donepezil is associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and venlafaxine may add a small effect at high doses. Donepezil can also cause bradycardia, which increases the arrhythmia risk. Venlafaxine may additionally worsen bradycardia or syncope risk in some patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Donepezil 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.
Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with cholinesterase inhibitor-related bradycardia.
What to do
Check baseline ECG and heart rate in patients at risk, and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Monitor for syncope, palpitations and bradycardia.
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 Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Donepezil with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Donepezil 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. Donepezil is associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and venlafaxine may add a small effect at high doses. Donepezil can also cause bradycardia, which increases the arrhythmia risk. Venlafaxine may additionally worsen bradycardia or syncope risk in some patients.
How serious is the interaction between Donepezil 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: Check baseline ECG and heart rate in patients at risk, and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Monitor for syncope, palpitations and bradycardia.
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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