Drug interactions
Pentazocine + Selegiline
Severity: Major
Pentazocine 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
Selegiline inhibits MAO, and at higher doses or in transdermal form it is non-selective. Combined with pentazocine it may cause serotonin syndrome, blood pressure changes and excessive sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentazocine 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.
Pentazocine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition by selegiline adds to serotonergic and CNS-depressant effects of pentazocine, through an incompletely defined mechanism.
What to do
Avoid the combination, especially with transdermal selegiline, and choose a different analgesic. If it cannot be avoided, use the lowest pentazocine dose 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 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 Pentazocine with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pentazocine 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. Selegiline inhibits MAO, and at higher doses or in transdermal form it is non-selective. Combined with pentazocine it may cause serotonin syndrome, blood pressure changes and excessive sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Pentazocine 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, especially with transdermal selegiline, and choose a different analgesic. If it cannot be avoided, use the lowest pentazocine dose 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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