Vardenafil and Duloxetine: Can They Be Taken Together?
Learn about the interaction, what your prescriber checks, and how to use these medicines safely.
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Vardenafil and Duloxetine: Understanding the Interaction
Published: 30 October 2026
Many men wonder whether vardenafil and duloxetine can be taken together safely. The good news is that there is no major contraindication between these two medicines, and they are often prescribed together when clinically appropriate. However, your prescriber will carefully check your full medical history and current medicines during the consultation to ensure the combination is suitable for you.
Tell Your Prescriber Everything
Always declare all your current medicines, including duloxetine and any over-the-counter products, during your consultation. This ensures your prescriber can check for interactions and prescribe vardenafil safely.
What Is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men [5]. It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow when you are sexually aroused [5].
Vardenafil is the generic name for Levitra and is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets [5]. You typically take it about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, and it works only when you are sexually stimulated [5]. The effect can last for several hours, but you should not take more than one dose in 24 hours [5].
Like all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil requires a prescription in the UK and is only supplied after an online or face-to-face consultation with a registered prescriber. At Cured Pharmacy, vardenafil is available from £16.95 (or £13.56 for your first order with code Ednew) following a clinical assessment by our UK prescribers.
What Is Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is a prescription medicine that belongs to a class of antidepressants called serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is commonly prescribed to treat depression, generalised anxiety disorder, diabetic nerve pain, and stress urinary incontinence in women.
Duloxetine works by increasing the levels of two natural substances in the brain—serotonin and noradrenaline—which help regulate mood and pain signals. It is usually taken once or twice daily, with or without food, and the dose is tailored to the condition being treated.
Some men taking duloxetine or other antidepressants may experience sexual side effects, including difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. This is one reason why men on antidepressants sometimes seek treatment for ED. If you are taking duloxetine and experiencing ED, it is important to discuss this with your GP or prescriber, as they can review your treatment and consider whether an ED medicine like vardenafil might be appropriate.
Can You Take Vardenafil and Duloxetine Together?
Yes, vardenafil and duloxetine can generally be taken together, as there is no major contraindication between these two medicines. Many men who take duloxetine for depression or anxiety also use vardenafil to manage erectile dysfunction, and this combination is considered clinically acceptable when prescribed appropriately.
However, it is essential that your prescriber knows about all the medicines you are taking, including duloxetine, before prescribing vardenafil. This allows them to check for any individual factors that might affect your treatment, such as other medicines, medical conditions, or your overall cardiovascular health.
While the combination is not contraindicated, both medicines can have effects on blood pressure and other body systems, so a thorough consultation ensures the treatment plan is safe and effective for you. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any prescribed medicine without discussing it with your doctor or pharmacist first.
How the Interaction Works
Vardenafil is broken down in the body by liver enzymes, particularly one called CYP3A4 [5]. Duloxetine is metabolised by different liver enzymes (mainly CYP1A2 and CYP2D6) and does not significantly inhibit or induce CYP3A4. This means duloxetine does not substantially alter the levels of vardenafil in your body, and vice versa.
Both medicines can have mild effects on blood pressure—vardenafil may cause a small, temporary drop in blood pressure, while duloxetine can occasionally raise blood pressure in some people. Your prescriber will check your blood pressure history and current readings to ensure the combination is safe for you. If you notice any dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, contact your doctor promptly.
What you need to know
- Vardenafil and duloxetine can generally be taken together safely with no major contraindication.
- Your prescriber will check your full medical history and current medicines before prescribing vardenafil.
- Do not take vardenafil with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers—this is dangerous.
- Seek urgent help for an erection lasting over four hours or sudden vision or hearing loss.
- Cured Pharmacy offers vardenafil from £16.95 following a UK prescriber consultation.
What Your Prescriber Will Check
Before prescribing vardenafil to someone taking duloxetine, your prescriber will review your full medical history and current medicines. They will ask about your cardiovascular health, blood pressure, any history of heart disease, stroke, or liver problems, and whether you are taking any other medicines that might interact with vardenafil [5].
Your prescriber will specifically check that you are not taking any medicines that are contraindicated with vardenafil, such as nitrates (GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate or dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs called 'poppers' (amyl or alkyl nitrites) [5]. Combining vardenafil with these medicines can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and is never safe.
They will also ask about other medicines that can interact with vardenafil, including alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin or tamsulosin), potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, or clarithromycin), and other blood-pressure medicines [5]. If you are taking any of these, your prescriber may adjust the dose of vardenafil or recommend an alternative ED treatment.
At Cured Pharmacy, every request for vardenafil is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber who will check your suitability and ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
Practical Advice for Taking Vardenafil and Duloxetine
If you have been prescribed both vardenafil and duloxetine, take each medicine exactly as directed by your prescriber. Duloxetine is usually taken once or twice daily at the same time each day, while vardenafil is taken on demand, about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity [5].
Do not take more than one dose of vardenafil in 24 hours, and do not change the dose of either medicine without consulting your prescriber [5]. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms—such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or changes in mood—contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when taking vardenafil, as alcohol can make erectile dysfunction worse and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure [5]. Grapefruit juice can also raise the levels of vardenafil in your blood, so it is best to avoid it while using this medicine [5].
If you are experiencing sexual side effects from duloxetine or any other antidepressant, do not stop taking your antidepressant without medical advice, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms and a return of your depression or anxiety. Instead, discuss your concerns with your GP, who can review your treatment and consider whether a different antidepressant or additional support might help.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Seek urgent medical help if you develop an erection that lasts longer than four hours (priapism), sudden loss of vision or hearing, or chest pain during sexual activity [5]. These are rare but serious side effects that require immediate attention.
Contact your GP or pharmacist if you experience persistent dizziness, fainting, or any other side effects that concern you. Your prescriber can review your medicines and adjust your treatment if needed.
When to get urgent help
- Erection lasting longer than four hours (priapism)—go to A&E immediately
- Sudden loss of vision or hearing—seek urgent medical attention
- Chest pain during sexual activity—stop and call 999 if it does not resolve quickly
- Severe dizziness or fainting—contact your GP or call 111 for advice
- Allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing)—call 999
Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.
Other ED Treatments Available at Cured Pharmacy
If vardenafil is not suitable for you, or if you would like to explore other options, Cured Pharmacy offers a range of licensed ED treatments, all available following a consultation with a UK-registered prescriber [1][2].
Sildenafil (generic Viagra) is available from £0.45 per tablet (£0.36 with code Ednew) and is taken about one hour before sexual activity [3]. Tadalafil (generic Cialis) is available from £7.95 (£6.36 with code Ednew) and can be taken on demand or as a lower daily dose; its effect can last up to 36 hours [4]. Avanafil (Spedra) works in as little as 15 to 30 minutes and is available from £20.95 (£16.76 with code Ednew) [6].
All of these medicines are PDE5 inhibitors and work in a similar way to vardenafil [1]. Your prescriber will help you choose the most suitable option based on your medical history, current medicines, and personal preferences. If you are taking duloxetine or any other antidepressant, your prescriber will check that the chosen ED treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
How to Get Started
To request an ED treatment from Cured Pharmacy, complete a short online consultation on our website. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers and, if appropriate, approve your treatment. Your medicine will then be dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy (GPhC 9012511) and delivered discreetly to your door.
If you have any questions about vardenafil, duloxetine, or any other aspect of your treatment, our pharmacist-led team is here to help. You can contact us through the website or speak to a pharmacist for advice.
Scientific References
- NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 30 October 2026]
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 30 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Sildenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ [accessed 30 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 30 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 30 October 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Avanafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/avanafil/ [accessed 30 October 2026]
Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.
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Your Questions Answered
Is it safe to take vardenafil and duloxetine at the same time?
Yes, there is no major contraindication between vardenafil and duloxetine, and they can generally be taken together when prescribed appropriately. Your prescriber will check your full medical history to ensure the combination is safe for you.
Will duloxetine affect how well vardenafil works?
Duloxetine does not significantly affect the levels or effectiveness of vardenafil, as they are broken down by different liver enzymes. Your prescriber will review your treatment to ensure it is suitable.
Can antidepressants like duloxetine cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes, some antidepressants, including duloxetine, can cause sexual side effects such as difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. If this is a concern, discuss it with your GP, who can review your treatment.
What should I tell my prescriber before taking vardenafil?
Tell your prescriber about all medicines you are taking, including duloxetine, any over-the-counter medicines, and recreational drugs. Also mention any medical conditions, especially heart problems, high or low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, and any history of stroke or vision problems.
Can I drink alcohol while taking vardenafil and duloxetine?
It is best to limit alcohol while taking vardenafil, as heavy drinking can worsen erectile dysfunction and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure. Alcohol can also interact with duloxetine.
What are the warning signs I should watch for?
Seek urgent help if you have an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or chest pain during sex. Contact your doctor if you experience persistent dizziness, fainting, or any other concerning symptoms.
Can I take vardenafil if I am on other antidepressants?
Vardenafil can generally be taken with most antidepressants, but your prescriber will review your full medicine list during the consultation to check for any interactions and ensure the treatment is safe for you.
How do I order vardenafil from Cured Pharmacy?
Complete a short online consultation on our website. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers and, if appropriate, approve your treatment, which will then be dispensed and delivered discreetly to your door.
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Medically reviewed by
Tarun Kumar, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)