Drug interactions
Ozanimod + Venlafaxine
Severity: Major
Ozanimod 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
Ozanimod's active metabolites inhibit MAO-B in vitro, and combining it with agents that raise norepinephrine or serotonin, such as venlafaxine, may provoke hypertensive reactions or serotonin syndrome. Labeling advises against concomitant use because of this theoretical risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ozanimod 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.
Ozanimod belongs to Central Nervous System; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible MAO inhibition by ozanimod metabolites adds to venlafaxine's serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose an alternative antidepressant. If it cannot be avoided, monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely and watch for signs of serotonin toxicity.
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 Venlafaxine
- Isocarboxazid + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ozanimod
- Isocarboxazid + Ozanimod Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Ozanimod Contraindicated
- Ozanimod + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ozanimod + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ozanimod + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ozanimod + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ozanimod with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ozanimod 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. Ozanimod's active metabolites inhibit MAO-B in vitro, and combining it with agents that raise norepinephrine or serotonin, such as venlafaxine, may provoke hypertensive reactions or serotonin syndrome. Labeling advises against concomitant use because of this theoretical risk.
How serious is the interaction between Ozanimod 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 an alternative antidepressant. If it cannot be avoided, monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely and watch 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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