Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Can Venlafaxine And Duloxetine Be Taken Together?
I am 70 years old. I have been taking Venlafaxine Hcl Er 150MG Cap Er 24h for over a year. This was prescribed by my Primary Care Physician for anxiety and depression. Today, I visited a rheumatologist for the first time. I was referred to him for pain in my legs and joints. He felt I may have fibromyalgia. This doctor prescribed Duloxetine Hcl 60MG Capsule Dr. I understand they are both similar SNRI meds. Should I be taking both at the same time. Or should I consult with my Primary Care Physician before taking the Duloxetine Hcl 60MG Capsule Dr. From what I have read taking both simultaneously risks such side affects as seritonin syndrome.
Mon, 30 Apr 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
It is not safe to take these medications together. Venlafaxine and Duloxetine both are the same antidepressant medications belong to serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor type.
If taken together, it can increase the risk of a serious condition called the serotonin syndrome which is characterized by confusion, hallucination, seizure, increased blood pressure and heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, muscle stiffness, tremor, motor incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Besides, Venlafaxine can also increase the level or the side effects of Duloxetine by affecting its liver metabolism. In view of the above, you should not take these medications together and should consult your PCP (Primary care physician) for an alternate effective antidepressant or to adjust the dose of the medications.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
It is not safe to take these medications together. Venlafaxine and Duloxetine both are the same antidepressant medications belong to serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor type.
If taken together, it can increase the risk of a serious condition called the serotonin syndrome which is characterized by confusion, hallucination, seizure, increased blood pressure and heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, muscle stiffness, tremor, motor incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Besides, Venlafaxine can also increase the level or the side effects of Duloxetine by affecting its liver metabolism. In view of the above, you should not take these medications together and should consult your PCP (Primary care physician) for an alternate effective antidepressant or to adjust the dose of the medications.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....