What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Tramadol and venlafaxine
Venlafaxine's FDA label of August 15, 2023 names tramadol in its warnings and precautions section; tramadol's label does not name venlafaxine itself but warns about its class (SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)). The venlafaxine label: “Caution when using venlafaxine with such drugs. Serotonergic drugs: Potential for serotonin syndrome.”
Check it at the source: the tramadol FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 5, 2026, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.); the venlafaxine FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 15, 2023, Viatris Specialty LLC).
What does the tramadol label say about venlafaxine?
Tramadol's label does not name venlafaxine itself; it warns about its class (SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)):
Tramadol label, warnings and precautionsSyndrome with Concomitant Use of Serotonergic Drugs Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported with the use of tramadol products, including tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets, particularly during concomitant use with serotonergic drugs. Serotonergic drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that …
Tramadol label, warnings and precautionsCases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported with the use of tramadol products, including Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules, particularly during concomitant use with serotonergic drugs. Serotonergic drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system (e.g. …
Source: FDA drug label (TRAMADOL HYDROCHLORIDE), Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., effective March 5, 2026 (SPL set 46bb9ae6-3ee8-463c-badb-c7a45a89b84b), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the venlafaxine label say about tramadol?
Venlafaxine label, warnings and precautionsThe risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1) ].
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride label (Trigen Laboratories, LLC, July 31, 2025), drug interactionsCaution when using venlafaxine with such drugs. ( 7.10 ) Serotonergic drugs (e.g., triptans, SSRIs, other SNRIs, linezolid, lithium, tramadol, or St. John's Wort): Potential for serotonin syndrome.
Source: FDA drug label (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride, NDA022104), Trigen Laboratories, LLC, effective July 31, 2025 (SPL set fdaed1c2-dd0a-4bf3-975a-86fe3e7f0c97), via openFDA
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
| Tramadol | Venlafaxine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Depression, Anxiety |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.0248 per tablet 50 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