Drug interactions
Lisdexamfetamine + Venlafaxine
Severity: Major
Lisdexamfetamine and Venlafaxine: 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
Amphetamines increase release of monoamines including serotonin, and venlafaxine blocks serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Together they can precipitate serotonin syndrome and increase blood pressure and heart rate.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lisdexamfetamine 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.
Lisdexamfetamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic and noradrenergic effects from monoamine release and reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Start lisdexamfetamine at a low dose and titrate slowly, monitoring for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and clonus as well as blood pressure and heart rate. Stop both drugs and treat supportively if serotonin syndrome 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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References
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 Lisdexamfetamine
- Isocarboxazid + Lisdexamfetamine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Lisdexamfetamine Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lisdexamfetamine with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lisdexamfetamine 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. Amphetamines increase release of monoamines including serotonin, and venlafaxine blocks serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Together they can precipitate serotonin syndrome and increase blood pressure and heart rate.
How serious is the interaction between Lisdexamfetamine 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: Start lisdexamfetamine at a low dose and titrate slowly, monitoring for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and clonus as well as blood pressure and heart rate. Stop both drugs and treat supportively if serotonin syndrome develops.
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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