Citalopram and Venlafaxine interaction
Citalopram and Venlafaxine: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Citalopram label · effective 2025-10-07
Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone.
If concomitant use of Citalopram Capsules with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms.
If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of Citalopram Capsules and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
Avoid use of Citalopram Capsules in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, bradycardia, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, recent acute myocardial infarction, or uncompensated heart failure and patients taking other drugs that prolong the QTc interval.
Citalopram should also not be used in patients who are taking other drugs that prolong the QTc interval [see Drug Interactions (7)].
From the Venlafaxine (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride) label · effective 2025-01-31
Anyone considering the use of Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need.
If concomitant use of Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, patients should be made aware of a potential increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases.
If concomitant use of Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms.
Bleeding events related to SSRIs and SNRIs use have ranged from ecchymoses, hematomas, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages.
If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.2 )].
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.