Drug interactions
Olanzapine + Selegiline
Severity: Moderate
Olanzapine 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
Selegiline is a dopaminergic and serotonergic MAO-B inhibitor, while olanzapine blocks dopamine receptors, so the two have opposing effects on dopamine. Rarely this combination could contribute to serotonin toxicity or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Olanzapine may also worsen parkinsonian symptoms treated with selegiline.
What this interaction means in plain words
Olanzapine 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.
Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Opposing dopaminergic pharmacodynamics, with possible additive serotonergic activity; the clinical mechanism of toxicity is not well established.
What to do
Monitor for hyperthermia, rigidity, agitation, tremor and autonomic instability, and for loss of motor control in Parkinson's disease. Consider an antipsychotic with lower dopamine blockade such as quetiapine in parkinsonian patients.
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 Olanzapine
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 Olanzapine with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Olanzapine 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. Selegiline is a dopaminergic and serotonergic MAO-B inhibitor, while olanzapine blocks dopamine receptors, so the two have opposing effects on dopamine. Rarely this combination could contribute to serotonin toxicity or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Olanzapine may also worsen parkinsonian symptoms treated with selegiline.
How serious is the interaction between Olanzapine 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 for hyperthermia, rigidity, agitation, tremor and autonomic instability, and for loss of motor control in Parkinson's disease. Consider an antipsychotic with lower dopamine blockade such as quetiapine in parkinsonian patients.
What other medicines interact with Olanzapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Olanzapine with, for example, Amisulpride, Amoxapine, Apomorphine. The full list is on the Olanzapine page.
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