Drug interactions
Levodopa + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Levodopa and Phenelzine: 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
Levodopa is converted to dopamine and norepinephrine, and a nonselective MAO inhibitor prevents their breakdown. The combination can produce sudden severe hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Labeling for levodopa products contraindicates concurrent nonselective MAOIs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levodopa and Phenelzine 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.
Levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Irreversible MAO inhibition by phenelzine blocks catecholamine degradation, so levodopa-derived dopamine and norepinephrine accumulate.
What to do
Do not combine; stop phenelzine at least 14 days before starting levodopa. Choose a non-MAOI antidepressant if one is needed in a patient on levodopa.
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 Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Levodopa
- Isocarboxazid + Levodopa Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine (nonselective MAOI) Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Levodopa Major
- Chlorpromazine + Levodopa Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levodopa with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Levodopa and Phenelzine 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. Levodopa is converted to dopamine and norepinephrine, and a nonselective MAO inhibitor prevents their breakdown. The combination can produce sudden severe hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Labeling for levodopa products contraindicates concurrent nonselective MAOIs.
How serious is the interaction between Levodopa and Phenelzine?
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 combine; stop phenelzine at least 14 days before starting levodopa. Choose a non-MAOI antidepressant if one is needed in a patient on levodopa.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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