Drug interactions
Ritonavir + Venlafaxine
Severity: Moderate
Ritonavir 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
Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 and may raise venlafaxine exposure. This may increase dose-related adverse effects such as nausea, hypertension and serotonergic toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ritonavir 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.
Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ritonavir inhibition of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 decreases venlafaxine clearance.
What to do
Start with a low venlafaxine dose and titrate carefully. 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 Ritonavir
- Alfuzosin + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Ritonavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ritonavir with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ritonavir 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. Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 and may raise venlafaxine exposure. This may increase dose-related adverse effects such as nausea, hypertension and serotonergic toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Ritonavir 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 with a low venlafaxine dose and titrate carefully. 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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