Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Vortioxetine
Severity: Moderate
Phenobarbital and Vortioxetine: 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
Phenobarbital is an enzyme inducer that can lower vortioxetine concentrations. This may lead to reduced antidepressant effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Vortioxetine 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.
Why it happens
Induction of hepatic CYP enzymes by phenobarbital increases vortioxetine clearance.
What to do
Monitor for loss of antidepressant response and consider raising the vortioxetine dose, within labeled limits. Return to the usual dose within about two weeks of stopping the inducer.
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 Vortioxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Vortioxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenobarbital and Vortioxetine 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. Phenobarbital is an enzyme inducer that can lower vortioxetine concentrations. This may lead to reduced antidepressant effect.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Vortioxetine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for loss of antidepressant response and consider raising the vortioxetine dose, within labeled limits. Return to the usual dose within about two weeks of stopping the inducer.
What other medicines interact with Vortioxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vortioxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Vortioxetine page.
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