Venlafaxine and propafenone may cause hallucinations and psychomotor agitation.(Drug-Drug Interactions)

Venlafaxine (Effexor), with a dual mechanism of inhibiting both serotonin and norepinephrine uptake, has been shown to be an effective antidepressant with a good safety profile. The following case described the occurrence of hallucinations and psychomotor agitation in an elderly patient receiving concurrent therapy with propafenone (Rythmol). (1)

Clinical case

An 85-years old Caucasian female patient was diagnosed with depression after the death of her daughter, and sertraline (Zoloft) 50 mg per day was prescribed for managing the depressive symptoms that included sad mood, loss of appetite, anhdonia, and insomnia. In addition to her depressive symptoms, the …