Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Selegiline transdermal
Severity: Contraindicated
Amitriptyline and Selegiline transdermal: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Combining a tricyclic antidepressant with an MAO inhibitor such as transdermal selegiline can precipitate serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions. Features may include agitation, hyperthermia, tremor, clonus and autonomic instability, and the outcome can be severe.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Selegiline transdermal are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Amitriptyline inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake while selegiline inhibits MAO, leading to additive increases in synaptic monoamines.
What to do
Avoid the combination; the product labeling contraindicates concurrent use. Allow an appropriate washout interval between the drugs, and choose a non-interacting alternative.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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References
Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Amitriptyline and Selegiline transdermal are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Combining a tricyclic antidepressant with an MAO inhibitor such as transdermal selegiline can precipitate serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions. Features may include agitation, hyperthermia, tremor, clonus and autonomic instability, and the outcome can be severe.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination; the product labeling contraindicates concurrent use. Allow an appropriate washout interval between the drugs, and choose a non-interacting alternative.
What other medicines interact with Amitriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amitriptyline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Amitriptyline page.
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