Drug interactions
Linezolid + Venlafaxine
Severity: Major
Linezolid and Venlafaxine: 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
Venlafaxine inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, and linezolid inhibits MAO. Serotonin syndrome has been reported with this type of combination, and venlafaxine labeling warns against concurrent MAO inhibitors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Linezolid and Venlafaxine 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.
Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Serotonin reuptake inhibition plus MAO inhibition producing excess serotonergic activity.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose another antibiotic. If linezolid is essential, monitor closely for serotonin syndrome and weigh holding venlafaxine, bearing in mind discontinuation effects.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Linezolid and Venlafaxine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Linezolid
- Amoxapine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
Other interactions of Venlafaxine
- Isocarboxazid + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Linezolid with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Linezolid and Venlafaxine 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. Venlafaxine inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, and linezolid inhibits MAO. Serotonin syndrome has been reported with this type of combination, and venlafaxine labeling warns against concurrent MAO inhibitors.
How serious is the interaction between Linezolid and Venlafaxine?
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 the combination where possible and choose another antibiotic. If linezolid is essential, monitor closely for serotonin syndrome and weigh holding venlafaxine, bearing in mind discontinuation effects.
What other medicines interact with Linezolid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Linezolid with, for example, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine, Benzphetamine. The full list is on the Linezolid page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
