Drug Interaction Report

Nefazodone and Lovastatin: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Nefazodone and Lovastatin interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Nefazodone

No brand names on record
+

Lovastatin

Altocor® Altoprev Altoprev® Mevacor®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Contraindicated
These should generally not be used together.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 147 documented Nefazodone interactions, 13 are rated contraindicated — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
probable
Severity
Contraindicated

What happens

Increased lovastatin exposure and an increased risk of lovastatin-related adverse effects, such as, risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of lovastatin and nefazodone is contraindicated2. There were rare reports of rhabdomyolysis in patients receiving both nefazodone and lovastatin or simvastatin 4. Concurrent administration of lovastatin and nefazodone may result in increased lovastatin exposure, thereby increasing the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis 3. If treatment with nefazodone is unavoidable, suspend lovastatin during the course of nefazodone treatment. In a drug interaction study, coadministration of itraconazole (strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) and lovastatin increased lovastatin AUC and Cmax by 14.8-fold and 14.5-fold, respectively 1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of lovastatin by nefazodone

Literature reports

2 reports — tap to read

a) There were rare reports of rhabdomyolysis in patients receiving both nefazodone and lovastatin or simvastatin 4.

b) In a drug interaction study, coadministration of itraconazole (strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) and lovastatin increased lovastatin AUC and Cmax by 14.8-fold and 14.5-fold, respectively 1.

Common questions

Can I take Nefazodone and Lovastatin together?

Increased lovastatin exposure and an increased risk of lovastatin-related adverse effects, such as, risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Nefazodone and Lovastatin interaction?

It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Nefazodone or Lovastatin need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (4)

  1. Product Information: ALTOPREV(R) oral extended-release tablets, lovastatin oral extended-release tablets. Covis Pharma (per FDA), King of Prussia, PA, 2024. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: MEVACOR(R) oral tablets, lovastatin oral tablets. Merck & Co, Inc. (Per FDA), Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2012. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: MEVACOR(R) oral tablets, lovastatin oral tablets. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (per FDA), Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2014. DailyMed
  4. Product Information: SERZONE(R) oral tablets, nefazodone hcl oral tablets. US Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD, 2005.
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Nefazodone

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Lovastatin

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All Lovastatin interactions (127) Lovastatin drug information
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Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Nefazodone + Activated Charcoal Grapefruit Lithium St. John's Wort 5-htp Acacia Rigidula Acetyl-l-carnitine Adrafinil + 151 more
Lovastatin + Activated Charcoal Apple Beer Grapefruit Siberian Cocklebur St. John's Wort Sweet Orange Wine + 176 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.