Drug interactions
Methylphenidate + Selegiline
Severity: Contraindicated
Methylphenidate and Selegiline: 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
Selegiline inhibits MAO and methylphenidate increases catecholamine release and availability. Together they can cause a hypertensive crisis with severe headache, arrhythmia or cerebrovascular events. Methylphenidate labeling prohibits concurrent MAOI use and use within 14 days after discontinuation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylphenidate and Selegiline 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; Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition prevents catecholamine degradation, potentiating the indirect sympathomimetic effects of methylphenidate.
What to do
Do not combine; wait at least 14 days after the last selegiline dose before starting methylphenidate. Use a non-stimulant option if required.
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 + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Selegiline
- Amitriptyline + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylphenidate with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Methylphenidate and Selegiline 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. Selegiline inhibits MAO and methylphenidate increases catecholamine release and availability. Together they can cause a hypertensive crisis with severe headache, arrhythmia or cerebrovascular events. Methylphenidate labeling prohibits concurrent MAOI use and use within 14 days after discontinuation.
How serious is the interaction between Methylphenidate and Selegiline?
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; wait at least 14 days after the last selegiline dose before starting methylphenidate. Use a non-stimulant option if required.
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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