Which substance has an interaction with Venlafaxine?

Which substance has an interaction with Venlafaxine?

• A. St. John's wort
• B. Acetaminophen
• C. Ibuprofen
• D. Vitamin C

Answer: (A)

St. John’s wort interacts with venlafaxine because both affect serotonin levels in the brain. Venlafaxine is an SNRI that increases serotonin and norepinephrine by blocking their reuptake. St. John’s wort can further boost serotonergic activity and may also induce liver enzymes, which can unpredictably alter venlafaxine levels. The combination raises the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition marked by agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, fever, sweating, tremor, and, in severe cases, muscle rigidity or seizures. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen don’t cause the same dangerous serotonergic interaction with venlafaxine, though NSAIDs can add bleeding risk in people taking antidepressants. Vitamin C has no meaningful interaction with venlafaxine.

St. John’s wort interacts with venlafaxine because both affect serotonin levels in the brain. Venlafaxine is an SNRI that increases serotonin and norepinephrine by blocking their reuptake. St. John’s wort can further boost serotonergic activity and may also induce liver enzymes, which can unpredictably alter venlafaxine levels. The combination raises the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition marked by agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, fever, sweating, tremor, and, in severe cases, muscle rigidity or seizures.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen don’t cause the same dangerous serotonergic interaction with venlafaxine, though NSAIDs can add bleeding risk in people taking antidepressants. Vitamin C has no meaningful interaction with venlafaxine.