What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Sertraline and venlafaxine
Sertraline's FDA label of August 8, 2023 names venlafaxine in its drug interactions section; venlafaxine's label does not name sertraline itself but warns about its class (serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The sertraline label: “ZOLOFT is a CYP2D6 inhibitor. The concomitant use of ZOLOFT with a CYP2D6 substrate may increase the exposure of the CYP2D6 substrate.”
Check it at the source: the sertraline FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 8, 2023, Viatris Specialty LLC); the venlafaxine FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 15, 2023, Viatris Specialty LLC).
What does the sertraline label say about venlafaxine?
Sertraline label, drug interactionsDrugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 Clinical Impact: ZOLOFT is a CYP2D6 inhibitor [See ]. The concomitant use of ZOLOFT with a CYP2D6 substrate may increase the exposure of the CYP2D6 substrate. … atomoxetine, desipramine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, thioridazine, tolterodine, venlafaxine
Source: FDA drug label (Sertraline Hydrochloride, NDA020990), Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., effective September 15, 2024 (SPL set 1a58062b-e635-431a-908d-2651c6a4a21c), via openFDA
Source: FDA drug label (Zoloft), Viatris Specialty LLC, effective August 8, 2023 (SPL set fda754f6-d0f3-4dce-a17a-927d64f912f7), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the venlafaxine label say about sertraline?
Venlafaxine's label does not name sertraline itself; it warns about its class (serotonin reuptake inhibitors):
Venlafaxine label, drug interactionsOther Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact Concomitant use of Effexor XR with other serotonergic drugs (including other SNRIs, SSRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Venlafaxine label, drug interactionsOther Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact Concomitant use of Venlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets with other serotonergic drugs (including other SNRIs, SSRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Source: FDA drug label (Effexor XR), NDA020699 (Upjohn), as published by Viatris Specialty LLC, effective August 15, 2023 (SPL set c848a5d8-ba94-4c84-80e3-0bf35fb8e32e), 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
| Sertraline | Venlafaxine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Depression, Anxiety | Depression, Anxiety |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.0507 per tablet 100 mg tablet | $0.0799 per capsule 75 mg capsule |
| 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