Drug interactions
Papaveretum + Selegiline
Severity: Major
Papaveretum 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
Papaveretum contains opium alkaloids including morphine, and opioids with MAO inhibitors may cause severe CNS and respiratory depression, hypotension or serotonin-like reactions. Risk is greater with transdermal or higher-dose selegiline.
What this interaction means in plain words
Papaveretum 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
Additive CNS depression and possible serotonergic effects with MAO inhibition; not fully defined.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If an opioid is required, use reduced doses with careful titration and monitor respiration, temperature and blood pressure.
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 Papaveretum with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Papaveretum 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. Papaveretum contains opium alkaloids including morphine, and opioids with MAO inhibitors may cause severe CNS and respiratory depression, hypotension or serotonin-like reactions. Risk is greater with transdermal or higher-dose selegiline.
How serious is the interaction between Papaveretum 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 where possible. If an opioid is required, use reduced doses with careful titration and monitor respiration, temperature and blood pressure.
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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