Drug interactions
Ketamine + Selegiline transdermal
Severity: Major
Ketamine and Selegiline transdermal: 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
Selegiline is an MAO inhibitor, and at transdermal antidepressant doses it inhibits both MAO-A and MAO-B. Ketamine's sympathomimetic effects may be exaggerated, with risk of hypertension, tachycardia and agitation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketamine and Selegiline transdermal 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
MAO inhibition increases catecholamine availability, augmenting ketamine's indirect sympathetic stimulation.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely and have short-acting antihypertensives available if ketamine is necessary. Consider alternative anesthetic or analgesic agents where possible.
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?
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Other interactions of Ketamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketamine with Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ketamine and Selegiline transdermal 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. Selegiline is an MAO inhibitor, and at transdermal antidepressant doses it inhibits both MAO-A and MAO-B. Ketamine's sympathomimetic effects may be exaggerated, with risk of hypertension, tachycardia and agitation.
How serious is the interaction between Ketamine and Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely and have short-acting antihypertensives available if ketamine is necessary. Consider alternative anesthetic or analgesic agents where possible.
What other medicines interact with Ketamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ketamine with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone, Buprenorphine buccal. The full list is on the Ketamine page.
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