Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Selegiline
Severity: Contraindicated
Paroxetine and Selegiline: contraindicated 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 inhibits MAO, and with paroxetine it can cause serotonin syndrome, particularly at higher oral doses where MAO-B selectivity is lost. Reactions have been serious and sometimes fatal.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine and Selegiline 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.
Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition combined with serotonin reuptake inhibition produces excess serotonergic activity.
What to do
Avoid combination. Allow at least 14 days after stopping selegiline before starting paroxetine, and at least 14 days after stopping paroxetine before starting selegiline.
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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Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
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 Paroxetine with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Paroxetine and Selegiline 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. Selegiline inhibits MAO, and with paroxetine it can cause serotonin syndrome, particularly at higher oral doses where MAO-B selectivity is lost. Reactions have been serious and sometimes fatal.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine and Selegiline?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combination. Allow at least 14 days after stopping selegiline before starting paroxetine, and at least 14 days after stopping paroxetine before starting selegiline.
What other medicines interact with Paroxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paroxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Paroxetine page.
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