Drug interactions
Benzphetamine + Selegiline
Severity: Contraindicated
Benzphetamine and Selegiline: contraindicated 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
Selegiline, particularly in the transdermal form that provides non-selective MAO inhibition, can greatly amplify the sympathomimetic effects of benzphetamine. This may precipitate a hypertensive crisis with severe headache, arrhythmia or intracranial haemorrhage.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzphetamine and Selegiline 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
MAO inhibition allows accumulation of norepinephrine and other monoamines, and benzphetamine adds indirect sympathomimetic release, producing additive pressor effects.
What to do
Do not co-administer; benzphetamine labeling contraindicates use during or within 14 days of an MAO inhibitor. Choose a non-sympathomimetic weight management approach.
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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Other interactions of Selegiline
- Amitriptyline + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzphetamine with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Benzphetamine and Selegiline 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. Selegiline, particularly in the transdermal form that provides non-selective MAO inhibition, can greatly amplify the sympathomimetic effects of benzphetamine. This may precipitate a hypertensive crisis with severe headache, arrhythmia or intracranial haemorrhage.
How serious is the interaction between Benzphetamine and Selegiline?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not co-administer; benzphetamine labeling contraindicates use during or within 14 days of an MAO inhibitor. Choose a non-sympathomimetic weight management approach.
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.
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