Duloxetine and Linezolid interaction
Duloxetine and Linezolid: 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 Duloxetine (Cymbalta) label · effective 2025-07-21
Starting CYMBALTA in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.9 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] .
Concomitant use of an MAOI antidepressant with CYMBALTA is contraindicated Use of CYMBALTA within 14 days of stopping an MAOI antidepressant is contraindicated In linezolid- or intravenous methylene blue-treated patients, initiation of CYMBALTA is contraindicated ( 4 )
The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with CYMBALTA or within 5 days of stopping treatment with CYMBALTA is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
The use of CYMBALTA within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.8 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] .
Serotonin Syndrome : Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone.
From the Linezolid label · effective 2026-06-19
• Serotonin Syndrome: Monitor patients taking Linezolid injection concomitantly with serotonergic agents for signs of serotonin syndrome.
If signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, consider discontinuing Linezolid injection and/or concomitant serotonergic agents.
Serotonin Syndrome Spontaneous reports of serotonin syndrome including fatal cases associated with the concomitant use of linezolid and serotonergic agents have been reported.
Monitor patients for the emergence of serotonin syndrome with the concomitant use of Linezolid injection and serotonergic agents or with use of Linezolid injection in patients with carcinoid syndrome.
Inform patients of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome when Linezolid injection is used concomitantly with serotonergic agents.
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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.