Drug interactions
Methylphenidate + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Methylphenidate 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
Methylphenidate increases synaptic catecholamines, and MAO inhibition prevents their metabolism, risking hypertensive crisis. Severe headache, hyperpyrexia and cardiovascular events have been described with this class pairing. Labeling contraindicates use during and within 14 days of an MAOI.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylphenidate 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.
Methylphenidate belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Reuptake blockade by methylphenidate combined with MAO inhibition causes excessive catecholamine accumulation.
What to do
Do not combine, and wait at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting methylphenidate. Consider non-stimulant ADHD therapy.
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 Methylphenidate
- Isocarboxazid + Methylphenidate Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Methylphenidate Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylphenidate with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Methylphenidate 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. Methylphenidate increases synaptic catecholamines, and MAO inhibition prevents their metabolism, risking hypertensive crisis. Severe headache, hyperpyrexia and cardiovascular events have been described with this class pairing. Labeling contraindicates use during and within 14 days of an MAOI.
How serious is the interaction between Methylphenidate 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, and wait at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting methylphenidate. Consider non-stimulant ADHD therapy.
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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