Drug interactions
Safinamide + Venlafaxine
Severity: Contraindicated
Safinamide and Venlafaxine: contraindicated 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
Safinamide, an MAO-B inhibitor, combined with venlafaxine may cause serotonin syndrome or hypertensive reactions. Safinamide labeling contraindicates use with SNRIs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Safinamide and Venlafaxine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Safinamide belongs to Central Nervous System; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO-B inhibition together with serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibition increases monoamine activity.
What to do
Do not combine. Observe at least 14 days after stopping safinamide before starting venlafaxine, and an adequate washout of venlafaxine before starting safinamide.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Venlafaxine
- Isocarboxazid + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Safinamide
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amphetamine polistirex + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Safinamide with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Safinamide and Venlafaxine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Safinamide, an MAO-B inhibitor, combined with venlafaxine may cause serotonin syndrome or hypertensive reactions. Safinamide labeling contraindicates use with SNRIs.
How serious is the interaction between Safinamide and Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine. Observe at least 14 days after stopping safinamide before starting venlafaxine, and an adequate washout of venlafaxine before starting safinamide.
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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