Drug interactions
Lopinavir + Venlafaxine
Severity: Moderate
Lopinavir 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
Lopinavir/ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may modestly increase venlafaxine concentrations. This may increase adverse effects such as nausea, blood pressure elevation or serotonergic toxicity. Ritonavir also inhibits CYP2D6, which may further raise venlafaxine levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lopinavir 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.
Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 (and CYP2D6 by ritonavir) reduces venlafaxine metabolism.
What to do
Start venlafaxine at a low dose and titrate to response. Monitor blood pressure and for signs of serotonin toxicity.
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 Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lopinavir with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lopinavir 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. Lopinavir/ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may modestly increase venlafaxine concentrations. This may increase adverse effects such as nausea, blood pressure elevation or serotonergic toxicity. Ritonavir also inhibits CYP2D6, which may further raise venlafaxine levels.
How serious is the interaction between Lopinavir 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: Start venlafaxine at a low dose and titrate to response. Monitor blood pressure and for signs of serotonin toxicity.
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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