Effexor Interactions Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when Effexor is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Alcohol
"Blood Thinners"
Combining Effexor with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (commonly known as blood thinners) may increase the risk of bleeding. Check with your healthcare provider before taking such medications with Effexor.
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Taking cimetidine and Effexor together can increase the level of Effexor in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. If you are taking these medicines together, your healthcare provider may need to lower your Effexor dose or may suggest an alternative to cimetidine. This interaction is usually not a problem, however (except for people with high blood pressure or liver problems).
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Taking Effexor with haloperidol can increase the level of haloperidol in your blood, raising your risk of side effects. If you are taking these medicines together, your healthcare provider may need to decrease your haloperidol dosage.
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Taking Effexor with indinavir may decrease the level of indinavir in your blood, perhaps making it less effective. If you are taking these medicines together, your healthcare provider may need to increase your dose of indinavir.
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Taking Effexor with ketoconazole may increase the level of Effexor in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. If you are taking these medicines together, your healthcare provider may need to decrease your Effexor dosage.
Linezolid (Zyvox)
Taking Effexor with linezolid can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. These symptoms can include confusion, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, feeling faint, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, difficulty walking, and diarrhea. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking these medications together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms, as serotonin syndrome can be very dangerous.
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Taking Effexor with lithium can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking these medications together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome (see above), as it can be very dangerous.
Miscellaneous Antidepressants
Combining Effexor with other antidepressants may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Check with your healthcare provider before taking these medications together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome, as it can be very dangerous.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Taking Effexor and an MAOI together can cause life-threatening side effects. Do not take Effexor if you have taken an MAOI within the past two weeks. Also, do not take an MAOI if you have taken Effexor within the past seven days.
SSRI or SNRI Antidepressants
Taking Effexor with other SSRI or SNRI antidepressants can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking these depression medications together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome (see above), as it can be very dangerous.
St. John's Wort
Taking Effexor with St. John's wort can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking these medications together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome (see above), as it can be very dangerous.
Tramadol (Rybix ODT, Ryzolt, Ultram, Ultram ER) or Tramadol and Acetaminophen (Ultracet)
Taking Effexor with tramadol can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking these medications together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome (see above), as it can be very dangerous.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Triptans
Taking Effexor with a triptan can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking these medications together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome (see above), as it can be very dangerous.
Tryptophan
Taking Effexor with tryptophan can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking these medications together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome (see above), as it can be very dangerous.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
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