Drug interaction is basically consuming two or more drugs of different or same drug classes at a given time. Drug interactions have the potential of changing the conventional effects of a medication and can increase the risk of experiencing serious to severe side effects. While this page does not contain all the possible drug interactions with Venlafaxine, it does however highlight the risks of consuming one or more drug with the medication, including prescription, nonprescription drugs and herbal commodities.
If you are using other drugs prior to being prescribed for Venlafaxine, make sure you keep and share a list of all the drugs that you use or have used with your doctor. In any case, never start, stop, or alter the dosage of any medication without prior approval from a doctor.
Taking any types of drugs or herbal products that make you sleepy will tend to worsen the effects of Venlafaxine. Hence, it is advisable that you consult with your doctor before consuming Venlafaxine with any sleep pill, muscle relaxant, narcotic pain medication, or medications for depression, anxiety, and seizures. If you have been consuming, have started, or have stopped consuming on or more of these medications with Venlafaxine, then contact your doctor immediately:
Note: This is not a complete list and there are a wide range of drugs and substances that can interact with Venlafaxine, including prescription drugs, over the counter medications, vitamin supplements, and herbal products.
While some drugs can make you feel sleepy when interacted with Venlafaxine, others can lead to bleeding and/ or bruising. This includes anti-platelet drugs like Clopidogrel, NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, and blood thinners like Warfarin.
Additionally, consuming MAO inhibitors with Venlafaxine can lead to severe, and potentially fatal, drug interactions. When you are observing the Venlafaxine treatment, refrain from using Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene Blue, Moclobemid, Phenelzine, Procarbazine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine, and other types of MAO inhibitors. Generally, MAO inhibitors should be avoided from two weeks before and a minimum of 7 days after treatment from Venlafaxine.
Note: This is a general timeline for refraining from MAO inhibitors. If you have been consuming MAO inhibitors in the past and plan to do so in the future, consult with your doctor on when you can start and stop taking Venlafaxine.
The risks of contracting serotonin syndrome or toxicity will likely increase when consuming drugs that elevate serotonin levels in the brain. For instance, street drugs like MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, SNRIs like Desvenlafaxine or Duloxetine, and SSRIs like Flouxetine and Paroxetine should be completely avoided before, during, and after treatment from Venlafaxine.
Note: Venlafaxine can interfere with lab tests, including urine samples for amphetamines, and can lead to false test results. Make sure that your doctor and the lab personnel are aware that you are using Venlafaxine for your conditions.
