Drug interactions
Sertraline + Vortioxetine
Severity: Major
Sertraline and Vortioxetine: 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
Both agents increase serotonergic activity, so combination raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Sertraline has little effect on vortioxetine metabolism, so the concern is pharmacodynamic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sertraline and Vortioxetine 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; Vortioxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects through serotonin transporter inhibition and vortioxetine's receptor activity.
What to do
Avoid combination where possible and use cross-titration when switching. If both are used, monitor for neuromuscular excitability, autonomic instability, and mental status change.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Sertraline and Vortioxetine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Vortioxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Sertraline with Vortioxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Sertraline and Vortioxetine 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. Both agents increase serotonergic activity, so combination raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Sertraline has little effect on vortioxetine metabolism, so the concern is pharmacodynamic.
How serious is the interaction between Sertraline and Vortioxetine?
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 combination where possible and use cross-titration when switching. If both are used, monitor for neuromuscular excitability, autonomic instability, and mental status change.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
