Drug interactions
Lithium + Selegiline transdermal
Severity: Major
Lithium and Selegiline transdermal: major 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 combining it with lithium, which enhances serotonin activity, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Transdermal selegiline has lower MAO-A inhibition at low doses, but the risk is not eliminated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium 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
Additive serotonergic effects from MAO inhibition and lithium enhancement of serotonin transmission.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or use the lowest selegiline dose with close monitoring for serotonin toxicity. Stop treatment promptly if symptoms such as hyperthermia, clonus or agitation arise.
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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References
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lithium 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 a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and combining it with lithium, which enhances serotonin activity, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Transdermal selegiline has lower MAO-A inhibition at low doses, but the risk is not eliminated.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium 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: Avoid the combination where possible, or use the lowest selegiline dose with close monitoring for serotonin toxicity. Stop treatment promptly if symptoms such as hyperthermia, clonus or agitation arise.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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