Can I take Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine together?

You should not take fluoxetina y venlafaxina 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.

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

• Agitación, inquietud o confusión.

• Shivering, sweating or fever.

• Muscle twitching or stiffness.

• Latido cardíaco acelerado.

• Diarrea.

• Dolor de cabeza.

• Sintiendo una ansiedad o hiperactividad inusuales.

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

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• High fever.

• Severe agitation or confusion.

• Convulsiones.

• Pérdida de conciencia.

• Pérdida de conciencia.

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 síntomas de abstinencia.

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.

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.

Síndrome serotoninérgico

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.

Presión arterial alta (Hipertensión)

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.

Trastornos de sangrado o uso de anticoagulantes

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

La fluoxetina puede afectar sus niveles de azúcar en la sangre. Es posible que necesite controlar su glucosa en sangre con más cuidado, ya que puede ser necesario ajustar su dosis de insulina o medicamento antidiabético.

Alcohol

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.

Cafeína (Café, té, bebidas energéticas)

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.

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Descargo de responsabilidad

Esta información es solo para fines educativos generales y no debe considerarse como un sustituto del consejo médico profesional. Siempre consulte a su médico de cabecera, farmacéutico u otro profesional de la salud calificado antes de tomar decisiones sobre sus medicamentos. Las circunstancias individuales pueden variar, y solo un profesional de la salud que conozca su historial médico puede proporcionar orientación personalizada.