This article describes possible interactions with venlafaxine extended-release* oral capsule. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Venlafaxine comes as tablets and capsules that you’ll swallow. Interactions of venlafaxine may vary depending on the form of venlafaxine your doctor prescribes.
* Extended release means the drug is released into your body slowly over time after you take it.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Venlafaxine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Other drugs and venlafaxine
The drugs in the list below may interact with venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with venlafaxine.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule include:
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):
- drug examples: fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of venlafaxine and the SSRI, including serotonin syndrome
- tricyclic antidepressants:
- drug examples: amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome and side effects of the tricyclic antidepressant
- certain migraine medications:
- drug examples: sumatriptan (Imitrex, others), zolmitriptan (Zomig)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of venlafaxine and the migraine medication
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
- drug examples: ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), meloxicam (Mobic)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of bleeding
- certain antifungals:
- drug examples: ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, others)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm that can be fatal
- blood thinners:
- drug examples: warfarin, enoxaparin (Lovenox)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of bleeding
- drugs that cause sleepiness:
- drug examples: lorazepam (Ativan), diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of sleepiness from both venlafaxine and the drugs that cause sleepiness
- certain antibiotics:
- drug examples: ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm that can be fatal
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Other interactions and venlafaxine
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with venlafaxine.
Venlafaxine and supplements
Before taking venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Venlafaxine interactions with herbs
Venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule may interact with St. John’s wort. Some people use this herb to ease symptoms of depression. But taking venlafaxine and St. John’s wort may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which happens when you have a buildup of serotonin in your body.
Venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule may also interact with valerian root. Some people use this herb to aid sleep or ease symptoms of anxiety. However, taking venlafaxine and valerian root may increase the risk of extreme sleepiness, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule.
Venlafaxine interactions with vitamins
Venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule is not known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about venlafaxine interactions with vitamins.
Venlafaxine and food
Venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule is not known to interact with foods. But this doesn’t mean interactions with foods can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about venlafaxine and foods to avoid.
Venlafaxine and vaccines
Venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule is not known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule.
Venlafaxine and lab tests
Venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule may interact with a urine test used to check for phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamine.
Taking venlafaxine and having this test may lead to false-positive results for PCP or amphetamine. This can happen even several days after stopping venlafaxine.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule.
Venlafaxine and cannabis or CBD
Venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule is not known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with venlafaxine.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
When to avoid venlafaxine
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe venlafaxine in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of venlafaxine contraindications:
- Use of MAOIs. If you take or have taken an MAOI in the last 14 days, taking venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Past allergic reaction to venlafaxine. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking Venlafaxine, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take venlafaxine.
Alcohol and venlafaxine
Venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule is known to interact with alcohol. Taking extended-release forms of this drug and drinking alcohol may cause the medication to be released in the body quickly instead of over a longer period of time. This could increase risk of side effects.
Taking venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule and drinking alcohol may cause:
- sleepiness
- difficulty focusing, thinking, or reacting
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about venlafaxine interactions with alcohol.
Questions about venlafaxine and interactions
Here you’ll find answers to some common questions about venlafaxine and possible interactions.
Are there any venlafaxine interactions with caffeine?
Venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule is not known to interact with caffeine. But this doesn’t mean interactions with caffeine can’t happen or won’t be identified later. That said, caffeine might worsen depression and anxiety. These are some of the conditions doctors may prescribe venlafaxine to treat.
If you have questions about venlafaxine interactions with caffeine, talk with your doctor.
Do venlafaxine capsules and tablets have the same interactions?
Yes, venlafaxine capsules and tablets share the same interactions. This is because both forms of the medication contain the same active drug. (An active drug is what makes a medication work.)
This article describes interactions of venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule. To be safe, you should talk with your doctor about interactions of the form of the drug you’re prescribed.
Health factors and venlafaxine
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking Venlafaxine, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether venlafaxine is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule:
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Preventing venlafaxine interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule.
Taking venlafaxine exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about venlafaxine and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Do I need to take my medications at different times throughout the day to avoid interactions?
- Does my risk of interactions depend on my dosage of venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule?
- How do the interactions of venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule compare to other drugs used to treat my condition?
Boxed warning for venlafaxine
Venlafaxine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Venlafaxine extended-release oral capsule can cause you to have suicidal thoughts or behavior. This risk is especially increased for children and young adults ages 24 years and younger. If you or a loved one notices any changes in your mood, behavior, or thoughts, talk with your doctor right away.
To learn more, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
