Drug interactions
Maprotiline + Venlafaxine
Severity: Major
Maprotiline 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 noradrenaline reuptake and is a CYP2D6 substrate with weak inhibition, so combined use with maprotiline increases monoaminergic effects. This raises the risk of serotonin syndrome, seizures, hypertension and cardiac effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Maprotiline 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.
Maprotiline belongs to Central Nervous System; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic and noradrenergic effects with possible modest CYP2D6-mediated increases in maprotiline exposure.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible and do not combine antidepressants without a clear indication. If needed, use low doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity, blood pressure and seizures.
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 Maprotiline
- Arsenic trioxide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Maprotiline + Methylene blue 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 Maprotiline with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Maprotiline 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 noradrenaline reuptake and is a CYP2D6 substrate with weak inhibition, so combined use with maprotiline increases monoaminergic effects. This raises the risk of serotonin syndrome, seizures, hypertension and cardiac effects.
How serious is the interaction between Maprotiline 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 concurrent use where possible and do not combine antidepressants without a clear indication. If needed, use low doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity, blood pressure and seizures.
What other medicines interact with Maprotiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Maprotiline with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Maprotiline page.
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