Drug interactions
Methylphenidate + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Methylphenidate and Tranylcypromine: contraindicated 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
Methylphenidate given with an MAO inhibitor can cause severe hypertensive reactions as stored catecholamines are released and not degraded. The combination is contraindicated in labeling.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylphenidate and Tranylcypromine 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; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Methylphenidate increases synaptic norepinephrine and dopamine while MAO inhibition prevents their metabolism, causing pressor excess.
What to do
Do not co-administer, and wait at least 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine before starting methylphenidate. Consider non-stimulant options.
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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References
Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Methylphenidate
- Isocarboxazid + Methylphenidate Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Methylphenidate Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylphenidate with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Methylphenidate and Tranylcypromine 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 given with an MAO inhibitor can cause severe hypertensive reactions as stored catecholamines are released and not degraded. The combination is contraindicated in labeling.
How serious is the interaction between Methylphenidate and Tranylcypromine?
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 co-administer, and wait at least 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine before starting methylphenidate. Consider non-stimulant options.
What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.
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