Rasagiline and Venlafaxine interaction
Rasagiline 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 Rasagiline label · effective 2020-06-30
May cause serotonin syndrome when used with antidepressants ( 5.2 )
In the postmarketing period, potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported in patients treated with antidepressants concomitantly with rasagiline.
Concomitant use of rasagiline with one of many classes of antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triazolopyridine, tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants) is not recommended [see Drug Interactions ( 7.5 )].
Although a small number of rasagiline-treated patients were concomitantly exposed to antidepressants (tricyclics n=115; SSRIs n=141), the exposure, both in dose and number of subjects, was not adequate to rule out the possibility of an untoward reaction from combining these agents.
Because of the long half-lives of certain antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine and its active metabolite), at least five weeks (perhaps longer, especially if fluoxetine has been prescribed chronically and/or at higher doses) should elapse between discontinuation of fluoxetine and initiation of rasagiline [see Drug Interactions ( 7.5 )] .
From the Venlafaxine (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride) label · effective 2025-01-31
Serotonin Syndrome and MAOIs: Do not use MAOI’s intended to treat psychiatric disorders with Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets or within 7 days of stopping treatment with Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets.
Do not use Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) The use of MAOI’s intended to treat psychiatric disorders with Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets or within 7 days of stopping treatment with Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
The use of Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets within 14 days of stopping, an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 ), and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .
Starting Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets 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 ( 2.7 ) and Warnings 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.