Drug interactions
Venlafaxine + Vortioxetine
Severity: Major
Venlafaxine 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 drugs raise serotonergic activity, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. Venlafaxine can also raise blood pressure, and the combination offers little benefit over monotherapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Venlafaxine 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.
Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System; Vortioxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from combined transporter inhibition and receptor activity.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use; cross-taper carefully when switching. Monitor for serotonin toxicity and blood pressure if overlap is unavoidable.
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 Vortioxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
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 Venlafaxine with Vortioxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Venlafaxine 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 drugs raise serotonergic activity, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. Venlafaxine can also raise blood pressure, and the combination offers little benefit over monotherapy.
How serious is the interaction between Venlafaxine 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 concurrent use; cross-taper carefully when switching. Monitor for serotonin toxicity and blood pressure if overlap is unavoidable.
What other medicines interact with Vortioxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vortioxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Vortioxetine page.
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