Drug interactions
Dexfenfluramine + Selegiline
Severity: Contraindicated
Dexfenfluramine and Selegiline: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 an MAO inhibitor with dexfenfluramine raises the risk of excessive serotonergic and adrenergic stimulation. Serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions are the main concerns.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexfenfluramine 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
Dexfenfluramine releases serotonin and blocks its reuptake while MAO inhibition prevents serotonin breakdown, causing additive serotonergic excess.
What to do
Avoid the combination and allow at least 14 days between stopping an MAO inhibitor and starting dexfenfluramine. Dexfenfluramine is withdrawn in many markets, so an alternative is preferable.
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 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 Dexfenfluramine with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Dexfenfluramine 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. Combining an MAO inhibitor with dexfenfluramine raises the risk of excessive serotonergic and adrenergic stimulation. Serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions are the main concerns.
How serious is the interaction between Dexfenfluramine 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: Avoid the combination and allow at least 14 days between stopping an MAO inhibitor and starting dexfenfluramine. Dexfenfluramine is withdrawn in many markets, so an alternative is preferable.
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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