Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Selegiline
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Selegiline: moderate 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
Oral contraceptives markedly increase selegiline exposure in pharmacokinetic studies. Higher levels may reduce MAO-B selectivity and raise the risk of adverse effects such as hypertension or serotonergic effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Selegiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of selegiline metabolism (CYP-mediated, including N-demethylation) by contraceptive steroids.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and for dopaminergic or serotonergic adverse effects, and consider a lower selegiline dose or a non-estrogen contraceptive.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
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 Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Selegiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Oral contraceptives markedly increase selegiline exposure in pharmacokinetic studies. Higher levels may reduce MAO-B selectivity and raise the risk of adverse effects such as hypertension or serotonergic effects.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Selegiline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure and for dopaminergic or serotonergic adverse effects, and consider a lower selegiline dose or a non-estrogen contraceptive.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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