Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Vortioxetine
Severity: Major
Fentanyl and Vortioxetine: major 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
Both drugs increase serotonergic activity, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome with symptoms such as agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and autonomic instability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl 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.
Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal; Vortioxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from vortioxetine reuptake inhibition and receptor activity combined with fentanyl.
What to do
If coadministration is necessary, use the lowest effective doses and monitor for serotonin syndrome, especially after starting or increasing doses. Stop both agents if it develops.
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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Other interactions of Fentanyl
- Alvimopan + Fentanyl Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Fentanyl Major
Other interactions of Vortioxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Vortioxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl 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. Both drugs increase serotonergic activity, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome with symptoms such as agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and autonomic instability.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl 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: If coadministration is necessary, use the lowest effective doses and monitor for serotonin syndrome, especially after starting or increasing doses. Stop both agents if it develops.
What other medicines interact with Fentanyl?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fentanyl with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Fentanyl page.
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