Drug interactions
Fluvoxamine + Trazodone
Severity: Major
Fluvoxamine and Trazodone: 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
Both drugs enhance serotonergic activity, so combined use increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Fluvoxamine also inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise trazodone levels, increasing sedation and hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluvoxamine and Trazodone 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.
Fluvoxamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Trazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects together with fluvoxamine inhibition of trazodone metabolism.
What to do
If used together, start trazodone at a low dose (for example for insomnia) and titrate slowly. Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, sweating and sedation, and stop one agent if serotonin toxicity occurs.
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 Fluvoxamine
- Agomelatine + Fluvoxamine Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Fluvoxamine Contraindicated
- Fezolinetant + Fluvoxamine Contraindicated
- Fluvoxamine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluvoxamine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluvoxamine + Methylene blue 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 Fluvoxamine with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fluvoxamine and Trazodone 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 enhance serotonergic activity, so combined use increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Fluvoxamine also inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise trazodone levels, increasing sedation and hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Fluvoxamine and Trazodone?
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 used together, start trazodone at a low dose (for example for insomnia) and titrate slowly. Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, sweating and sedation, and stop one agent if serotonin toxicity occurs.
What other medicines interact with Fluvoxamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluvoxamine with, for example, Agomelatine, Alosetron, Fezolinetant. The full list is on the Fluvoxamine page.
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