Can You Take Magnesium With Effexor (Venlafaxine)?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not magnesium can safely be taken with Effexor (venlafaxine).
Can you take taurine or magnesium taurate with venlafaxine?
May 11, 2023- There is no known interaction between magnesium supplements and Effexor, so they can be taken together safely.
- Magnesium can interfere with absorption of some other medications like antibiotics, bisphosphonates, and levothyroxine, so timing matters with those drugs.
- It's still a good idea to check with your doctor before adding any new supplement to your medication routine.
Answer
Great question! Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions and is a very popular over-the-counter dietary supplement. While there is no known interaction between magnesium supplements and Effexor (venlafaxine), magnesium is known to interact with other medications.
The main reason why magnesium should be used with caution with certain medications is that it can interfere with their absorption and metabolism. Magnesium can bind to certain compounds, such as many different antibiotics, which reduces their absorption and effectiveness.
Examples of drugs that should be taken with caution when using magnesium supplements include:
- Antibiotics: Magnesium can interfere with the absorption of antibiotics, including tetracyclines, quinolones, and aminoglycosides. This can reduce their effectiveness and increase the risk of bacterial resistance.
- Bisphosphonates: Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs used to treat osteoporosis and other bone disorders. Drugs in this class include Fosamax and Boniva. These drugs should generally be taken on an empty stomach and not combined with magnesium.
- Levothyroxine: Magnesium-containing supplements can reduce levothyroxine absorption, making it less effective.
As mentioned, fortunately, magnesium is not known to interact with Effexor and is not known to affect its absorption. In fact, Effexor can safely be taken with or without food (even if that food contains magnesium), and most other dietary supplements (although be sure to check with your doctor before adding supplements to your medication regimen).
Lastly, you mentioned 'taurine' in your question. I'm not sure if you are referring to magnesium taurate, a particular form of magnesium, or the amino acid taurine. Regardless, both are safe with Effexor (venlafaxine).
Final Words
It's important to note that some online drug interaction checkers will report an interaction between Effexor and magnesium citrate.
Magnesium citrate is a bowel preparation, and not intended as a product used to supplement your magnesium intake. My answer is referring to magnesium dietary supplements.
Thanks so much for your question and be sure to reach back out anytime!
References & sources
- Effexor Prescribing Information — AccessFDA
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Venlafaxine
- A prescription antidepressant medication sold under the brand name Effexor.
- Dietary supplement
- A product taken by mouth that contains vitamins, minerals, or other substances intended to supplement the diet.
- Absorption
- The process by which a substance taken into the body passes into the bloodstream or is taken up by tissues.
- Metabolism
- The chemical processes in the body that break down and use substances like food and medications.
- Tetracyclines
- A class of antibiotic medications used to treat bacterial infections.
- Bisphosphonates
- A class of medications used to treat osteoporosis and other bone disorders by slowing bone loss.
- Levothyroxine
- A synthetic thyroid hormone medication used to treat an underactive thyroid gland.
- Amino acid
- A building block of proteins that the body uses for various important functions.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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