.
Venlafaxine is a drug used to treat depression. It is unrelated to other drugs used to treat depression.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and
L-tryptophan
Venlafaxine, a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has been associated with several cases of
serotonin syndrome.1 2 3 4 5-HTP and L-tryptophan
are converted to serotonin in the brain, and taking them with venlafaxine may increase
venlafaxine-induced side effects. While no interactions with venlafaxine and 5-HTP or
L-tryptophan have been reported, until more is known, people taking venlafaxine are cautioned
to avoid 5-HTP or L-tryptophan.
Sodium
One case was reported of a 79-year-old woman with depression treated with venlafaxine who
experienced hyponatremia (abnormally low blood levels of sodium).5 It remains
unclear whether this interaction has any but rare ramifications.
Interactions with Herbs
St. John’s
wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Although there have been no interactions reported in the medical literature, it is best to
avoid using venlafaxine with St. John’s wort unless you are under the supervision of a
qualified healthcare professional.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Venlafaxine is recommended to be taken with food.6
Alcohol
Venlafaxine may cause dizziness or drowsiness.7 Alcohol may intensify these effects
and increase the risk of accidental injury.8 To prevent problems, people taking
venlafaxine should avoid alcohol.
Summary of Interactions for Venlafaxine
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | 5-Hydroxytryptophan
(5-HTP)* L-tryptophan* St. John’s wort* |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Other (see text) | Sodium |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Brubacher JR, Hoffman RS, Lurin MJ. Serotonin syndrome from venlafaxine-tranylcypromine interaction. Vet Hum Toxicol 1996;38:358–61.
2. Weiner LA, Smythe M, Cisek J. Serotonin syndrome secondary to phenelzine-venlafaxine interaction. Pharmacotherapy 1998;18:399–403.
3. Bhatara VS, Magnus RD, Paul KL, Preskorn SH. Serotonin syndrome induced by venlafaxine and fluoxetine: a case study in polypharmacy and potential pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic mechanisms. Ann Pharmacother 1998;32:432–6.
4. Diamond S, Pepper BJ, Diamond ML, et al. Serotonin syndrome induced by transitioning from phenelzine to venlafaxine: four patient reports. Neurology 1998;51:274–6.
5. Ranieri P, Franzoni S, Rozzini R, Trabucchi M. Venlafaxine-induced reset osmostat syndrome: case of a 79-year-old depressed woman. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1997;10:75–8.
6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antidepressants, Venlafaxine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1995, 263r–3x.
7. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antidepressants, Venlafaxine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1995, 263r–3x.
8. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antidepressants, Venlafaxine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1995, 263r–3x.
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