Drug interactions
Methylphenidate + Safinamide
Severity: Contraindicated
Methylphenidate and Safinamide: 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
Safinamide is a MAO-B inhibitor and methylphenidate raises synaptic catecholamines. The combination may provoke a hypertensive crisis. Methylphenidate labeling contraindicates use with MAOIs and within 14 days of their discontinuation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylphenidate and Safinamide 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; Safinamide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of MAO reduces catecholamine breakdown, amplifying the sympathomimetic and pressor effects of methylphenidate.
What to do
Avoid the combination and observe a 14-day washout after stopping safinamide before methylphenidate. Consider a non-stimulant alternative.
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 Methylphenidate
- Isocarboxazid + Methylphenidate Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Methylphenidate Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Safinamide
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amphetamine polistirex + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylphenidate with Safinamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Methylphenidate and Safinamide 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. Safinamide is a MAO-B inhibitor and methylphenidate raises synaptic catecholamines. The combination may provoke a hypertensive crisis. Methylphenidate labeling contraindicates use with MAOIs and within 14 days of their discontinuation.
How serious is the interaction between Methylphenidate and Safinamide?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and observe a 14-day washout after stopping safinamide before methylphenidate. Consider a non-stimulant alternative.
What other medicines interact with Methylphenidate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylphenidate with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Methylphenidate page.
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