Drug interactions
Same + Venlafaxine
Severity: Moderate
Same 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
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a supplement with reported serotonergic activity. Combined with venlafaxine it may increase the risk of serotonin toxicity (agitation, tremor, sweating, hyperthermia) and of manic switching in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Same 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.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects; SAMe may raise monoamine levels while venlafaxine inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.
What to do
Avoid combining unless clearly justified, and counsel patients to report agitation, tremor, diarrhea or fever. Stop SAMe if serotonin syndrome features appear.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Same with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Same 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. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a supplement with reported serotonergic activity. Combined with venlafaxine it may increase the risk of serotonin toxicity (agitation, tremor, sweating, hyperthermia) and of manic switching in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Same 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: Avoid combining unless clearly justified, and counsel patients to report agitation, tremor, diarrhea or fever. Stop SAMe if serotonin syndrome features appear.
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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