Drug interactions
Tetrabenazine + Venlafaxine
Severity: Major
Tetrabenazine and Venlafaxine: 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
Tetrabenazine causes dose-related QT prolongation, and venlafaxine may add to this effect. The combination raises the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, and tetrabenazine can also worsen depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tetrabenazine and Venlafaxine 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.
Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor the QTc, especially at higher tetrabenazine doses. Correct electrolyte disturbances and reconsider the combination if the QTc becomes prolonged.
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 Venlafaxine
- Isocarboxazid + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Tetrabenazine with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Tetrabenazine and Venlafaxine 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. Tetrabenazine causes dose-related QT prolongation, and venlafaxine may add to this effect. The combination raises the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, and tetrabenazine can also worsen depression.
How serious is the interaction between Tetrabenazine and Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor the QTc, especially at higher tetrabenazine doses. Correct electrolyte disturbances and reconsider the combination if the QTc becomes prolonged.
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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