Drug interactions
Opium tincture + Selegiline
Severity: Major
Opium tincture and Selegiline: major 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
MAO inhibitors may potentiate opioids unpredictably, with serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity manifesting as hypotension, hyperthermia, sedation, respiratory depression and coma.
What this interaction means in plain words
Opium tincture and Selegiline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Serotonergic and other poorly defined potentiation of opioid effect with MAO inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use a non-opioid alternative. If needed, use small test doses with close monitoring of blood pressure, sedation and respiration.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Opium tincture with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Opium tincture and Selegiline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. MAO inhibitors may potentiate opioids unpredictably, with serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity manifesting as hypotension, hyperthermia, sedation, respiratory depression and coma.
How serious is the interaction between Opium tincture and Selegiline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and use a non-opioid alternative. If needed, use small test doses with close monitoring of blood pressure, sedation and respiration.
What other medicines interact with Selegiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Selegiline with, for example, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine. The full list is on the Selegiline page.
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