Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Selegiline transdermal
Severity: Contraindicated
Escitalopram 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
Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and its transdermal form (used for depression) is contraindicated with SSRIs. The combination can cause serotonin syndrome with hyperthermia, agitation, rigidity, and autonomic instability, as well as hypertensive reactions. A washout period is needed when switching between the drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram 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
Inhibition of serotonin breakdown by MAO combined with SSRI blockade of serotonin reuptake leads to excess serotonergic activity.
What to do
Do not co-administer. Allow at least 14 days after stopping escitalopram before starting transdermal selegiline, and at least 2 weeks after stopping selegiline before starting escitalopram.
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 Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Escitalopram 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. Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and its transdermal form (used for depression) is contraindicated with SSRIs. The combination can cause serotonin syndrome with hyperthermia, agitation, rigidity, and autonomic instability, as well as hypertensive reactions. A washout period is needed when switching between the drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram 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: Do not co-administer. Allow at least 14 days after stopping escitalopram before starting transdermal selegiline, and at least 2 weeks after stopping selegiline before starting escitalopram.
What other medicines interact with Escitalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Escitalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Citalopram, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Escitalopram page.
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