Kan jag ta Fluoxetin och Venlafaxin tillsammans?

You should not take fluoxetine och venlafaxin together unless specifically instructed and closely monitored by a specialist.

Both fluoxetine and venlafaxine work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. When used together, their effects add up (an additive effect).

Additionally, fluoxetine can slow down the way your liver breaks down venlafaxine, causing the levels of venlafaxine in your blood to rise even higher.

Hur man vet om du har en läkemedelsinteraktion

You may be experiencing a drug interaction between fluoxetine and venlafaxine if you notice:

• Oro, rastlöshet eller förvirring.

• Shivering, sweating or fever.

• Muscle twitching or stiffness.

• Snabb hjärtslag.

• Diarré.

• Huvudvärk.

• Känner sig ovanligt orolig eller överaktiv.

These can be signs of serotoninsyndrom, a rare but serious reaction.

Sök omedelbar medicinsk hjälp om du har:

• High fever.

• Severe agitation or confusion.

• Anfall.

• Oregelbunden hjärtrytm.

• Medvetslöshet.

Vad du bör göra

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms you should:

• Seek emergency medical help (call 999 / go to A&E) if symptoms are severe, worsening quickly, or include high fever, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

• Do not take any further doses until you have spoken to a healthcare professional.

• Do not stop either medicine suddenly unless a doctor tells you to, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.

If your doctor is switching you from one to the other, they will usually advise a 'washout' period (a gap of a few weeks) because fluoxetine stays in your system for a long time.

Viktiga försiktighetsåtgärder

Suicidal thoughts and worsening of depression

These medicines can increase thoughts of self-harm or suicide, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment or when the dose is changed. Patients under 25 are at higher risk and must be monitored closely by family or carers.

Serotoninsyndrom

Taking these with other medicines that affect serotonin (such as St John’s Wort, tramadol, or triptans for migraine) can cause a life-threatening reaction. Seek immediate medical help if you experience high fever, agitation, confusion, or muscle twitching.

Abrupt withdrawal (Discontinuation Syndrome)

Stopping these medicines suddenly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including 'brain zaps' (electric shock sensations), intense dizziness, and anxiety. You must taper the dose slowly under medical supervision.

High blood pressure (Hypertension)

Venlafaxine can significantly increase your blood pressure. Your doctor must check your blood pressure before you start treatment and monitor it regularly while you are taking this medicine.

Blödningsrubbningar eller användning av blodförtunnande medel

These medicines can increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you are already taking medicines that thin the blood (like warfarin) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen).

Diabetes

Fluoxetine can affect your blood sugar levels. You may need to monitor your blood glucose more closely as your dose of insulin or antidiabetic medicine might need adjusting.

Varningar för mat och dryck

Alkohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking these medicines. Combining alcohol with antidepressants can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and coordination problems. It can also make your depression or anxiety symptoms worse.

Caffeine (Coffee, tea, energy drinks)

Fluoxetine and venlafaxine can sometimes cause jitteriness, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping. High amounts of caffeine can make these side effects worse. Monitor how you feel and consider reducing caffeine intake if you feel overly restless.

Användning av andra läkemedel

Tar du flera mediciner? Vår Interaktionskontroll för läkemedel hjälper dig att kontrollera om dina receptbelagda läkemedel, receptfria läkemedel och kosttillskott är säkra att ta tillsammans. Sök enkelt efter dina läkemedel för att se potentiella interaktioner och vad du kan göra åt dem.

Ansvarsfriskrivning

Denna information är endast avsedd för allmän utbildning och bör inte användas som en ersättning för professionell medicinsk rådgivning. Rådfråga alltid din läkare, apotekare eller annan kvalificerad vårdpersonal innan du fattar beslut om dina mediciner. Individuella omständigheter kan variera, och endast en vårdpersonal som känner till din medicinska historia kan ge personlig vägledning.