Drug interactions
Pentazocine + Rasagiline
Severity: Major
Pentazocine and Rasagiline: 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
Rasagiline is a selective MAO-B inhibitor that may lose selectivity at higher doses. With opioids it can cause additive sedation, hypotension and rarely serotonin syndrome. Evidence for pentazocine specifically is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentazocine and Rasagiline 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.
Pentazocine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Rasagiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition may potentiate opioid CNS and serotonergic effects, with loss of MAO-B selectivity at higher doses.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, and avoid pentazocine within 14 days of rasagiline. If needed, start with a reduced analgesic dose, titrate slowly, and monitor for serotonin toxicity and hypotension.
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 Pentazocine
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Pentazocine Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Pentazocine Contraindicated
- Pentazocine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Pentazocine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Pentazocine Major
- Alprazolam + Pentazocine Major
Other interactions of Rasagiline
- Atomoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pentazocine with Rasagiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pentazocine and Rasagiline 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. Rasagiline is a selective MAO-B inhibitor that may lose selectivity at higher doses. With opioids it can cause additive sedation, hypotension and rarely serotonin syndrome. Evidence for pentazocine specifically is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Pentazocine and Rasagiline?
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, and avoid pentazocine within 14 days of rasagiline. If needed, start with a reduced analgesic dose, titrate slowly, and monitor for serotonin toxicity and hypotension.
What other medicines interact with Pentazocine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pentazocine with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Pentazocine page.
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