Drug interactions
Modafinil + Selegiline
Severity: Moderate
Modafinil and Selegiline: moderate 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
Modafinil has mild sympathomimetic and blood-pressure-raising effects, and selegiline inhibits MAO. A pressor interaction is theoretically possible, but modafinil is not a classic indirect sympathomimetic and is not labeled as contraindicated with MAO-B inhibitors. Selegiline at low oral doses is selective for MAO-B, so the risk is generally modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Modafinil and Selegiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Modafinil belongs to Central Nervous System; Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive pressor effects from modafinil's dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity with reduced catecholamine metabolism; not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when starting or adjusting either drug, particularly with transdermal selegiline or higher doses. Reduce doses or stop modafinil if hypertension develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Modafinil
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 Modafinil with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Modafinil and Selegiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Modafinil has mild sympathomimetic and blood-pressure-raising effects, and selegiline inhibits MAO. A pressor interaction is theoretically possible, but modafinil is not a classic indirect sympathomimetic and is not labeled as contraindicated with MAO-B inhibitors. Selegiline at low oral doses is selective for MAO-B, so the risk is generally modest.
How serious is the interaction between Modafinil and Selegiline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when starting or adjusting either drug, particularly with transdermal selegiline or higher doses. Reduce doses or stop modafinil if hypertension develops.
What other medicines interact with Modafinil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Modafinil with, for example, Lenacapavir, Leniolisib, Lorlatinib. The full list is on the Modafinil page.
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