Does Venlafaxine Interact with Methylene Blue?
CDI records a contraindicated classification for Venlafaxine and Methylene Blue. The stored summary is: Concomitant use with intravenous methylene blue (an MAOI) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome and is contraindicated. The mechanism involves maoi activity increases serotonin syndrome risk. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Contraindicated
- Management
- Do not take together
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
MAOI activity increases serotonin syndrome risk
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Venlafaxine and your doctor is considering prescribing Methylene Blue (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask about alternative medications that do not interact with your current regimen
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider