Drug interactions
Belladonna and opium + Selegiline
Severity: Major
Belladonna and opium and Selegiline: major interaction.
Last updated
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
The opium component is an opioid, and opioids with MAO inhibitors can cause serotonin toxicity or profound CNS and respiratory depression with hypotension. Anticholinergic belladonna may add to tachycardia and confusion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Belladonna and opium and Selegiline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Opioid interaction with MAO inhibition, via serotonergic effects and additive CNS depression; mechanism not fully established.
What to do
Avoid the combination, particularly with transdermal selegiline or within 14 days of stopping it. If unavoidable, use minimal doses and monitor sedation, respiration, temperature and blood pressure.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Belladonna and opium and Selegiline, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Selegiline
- Amitriptyline + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Belladonna and opium with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Belladonna and opium and Selegiline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. The opium component is an opioid, and opioids with MAO inhibitors can cause serotonin toxicity or profound CNS and respiratory depression with hypotension. Anticholinergic belladonna may add to tachycardia and confusion.
How serious is the interaction between Belladonna and opium and Selegiline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination, particularly with transdermal selegiline or within 14 days of stopping it. If unavoidable, use minimal doses and monitor sedation, respiration, temperature and blood pressure.
What other medicines interact with Selegiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Selegiline with, for example, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine. The full list is on the Selegiline page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
