Drug interactions
Sertraline + Vilazodone
Severity: Major
Sertraline and Vilazodone: major 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
Vilazodone combines serotonin reuptake inhibition with 5-HT1A partial agonism, so adding sertraline increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include agitation, tremor, clonus, sweating, and hyperthermia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sertraline and Vilazodone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System; Vilazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from combined serotonin reuptake inhibition and 5-HT1A agonism.
What to do
Avoid combining; cross-taper carefully when switching. Stop both and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Vilazodone
- Isocarboxazid + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Sertraline with Vilazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Sertraline and Vilazodone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Vilazodone combines serotonin reuptake inhibition with 5-HT1A partial agonism, so adding sertraline increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include agitation, tremor, clonus, sweating, and hyperthermia.
How serious is the interaction between Sertraline and Vilazodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining; cross-taper carefully when switching. Stop both and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome develops.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
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