Drug interactions
Remifentanil + Venlafaxine
Severity: Moderate
Remifentanil 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
Combining an opioid with an SNRI can precipitate serotonin syndrome. Remifentanil is weakly serotonergic, so the risk is low, but the consequences can be severe.
What this interaction means in plain words
Remifentanil 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.
Remifentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from SNRI reuptake inhibition and opioid activity.
What to do
Monitor for mental status changes, tremor, clonus and hyperthermia. Withdraw serotonergic agents and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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 Remifentanil
- Alvimopan + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Remifentanil Major
- Brexanolone + Remifentanil Major
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 Remifentanil with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Remifentanil 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. Combining an opioid with an SNRI can precipitate serotonin syndrome. Remifentanil is weakly serotonergic, so the risk is low, but the consequences can be severe.
How serious is the interaction between Remifentanil 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: Monitor for mental status changes, tremor, clonus and hyperthermia. Withdraw serotonergic agents and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
What other medicines interact with Remifentanil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Remifentanil with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Remifentanil page.
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