Drug interactions
Methylphenidate transdermal + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Methylphenidate transdermal and Phenelzine: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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 dopamine and norepinephrine, and MAO inhibition prevents their breakdown. Together they can cause hypertensive crisis. Labeling contraindicates use during or within 14 days of an MAOI.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylphenidate transdermal 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.
Why it happens
Stimulant-induced catecholamine release and reuptake blockade is potentiated by irreversible MAO inhibition.
What to do
Do not coadminister; allow at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting methylphenidate. Choose a non-stimulant approach if an MAOI is 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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References
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylphenidate transdermal with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Methylphenidate transdermal 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 dopamine and norepinephrine, and MAO inhibition prevents their breakdown. Together they can cause hypertensive crisis. Labeling contraindicates use during or within 14 days of an MAOI.
How serious is the interaction between Methylphenidate transdermal 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 coadminister; allow at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting methylphenidate. Choose a non-stimulant approach if an MAOI is required.
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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