What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Linezolid and milnacipran
Milnacipran's FDA label of September 10, 2025 names linezolid in its contraindications section; linezolid's label does not name milnacipran itself but warns about its class (SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)). The milnacipran label: “Starting SAVELLA in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.”
Check it at the source: the linezolid FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 19, 2026, Hospira, Inc.); the milnacipran FDA label on DailyMed (effective September 10, 2025, Allergan, Inc.).
What does the linezolid label say about milnacipran?
Linezolid's label does not name milnacipran itself; it warns about its class (SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)):
Linezolid label, warnings and precautionsSpontaneous reports of serotonin syndrome including fatal cases associated with the concomitant use of linezolid and serotonergic agents have been reported. Commonly used serotonergic agents include serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, buspirone, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (triptans), and opioids, including meperidine.
Linezolid label, warnings and precautionsSpontaneous reports of serotonin syndrome including fatal cases associated with the concomitant use of ZYVOX and serotonergic agents have been reported. Commonly used serotonergic agents include serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, buspirone, serotonin 5‑HT1 receptor agonists (triptans), and opioids, including meperidine.
Source: FDA drug label (Linezolid), Hospira, Inc., effective June 19, 2026 (SPL set c401f1a8-cc37-461b-bfef-f2e156629bf8), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the milnacipran label say about linezolid?
Milnacipran label, contraindicationsStarting SAVELLA in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].
Milnacipran label, drug interactionsIf it is necessary to initiate treatment with a MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking SAVELLA, discontinue SAVELLA before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 , 2.6 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )].
Milnacipran label, warnings and precautionsIf it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking SAVELLA, discontinue SAVELLA before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Contraindications ( 4.1 ), Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 , 2.6 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) ].
Source: FDA drug label (Savella), NDA022256 (Abbvie), as published by Allergan, Inc., effective September 10, 2025 (SPL set 16a4a314-f97e-4e91-95e9-576a3773d284), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Linezolid | Milnacipran | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Bacterial infections | Nerve pain and fibromyalgia |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $1.44 per tablet 600 mg tablet | $2.82 per tablet 100 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once