Drug interactions
Phenelzine + Selegiline
Severity: Contraindicated
Phenelzine 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-B and, at higher doses or in transdermal form, also MAO-A. Combined with phenelzine, it can cause hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome. The pairing is contraindicated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenelzine 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.
Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System; Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Combined MAO-A and MAO-B inhibition increases monoamine levels.
What to do
Do not co-administer and keep a 14-day washout when switching. Choose a non-MAOI alternative for one indication.
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 Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine 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 Phenelzine with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Phenelzine 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-B and, at higher doses or in transdermal form, also MAO-A. Combined with phenelzine, it can cause hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome. The pairing is contraindicated.
How serious is the interaction between Phenelzine 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: Do not co-administer and keep a 14-day washout when switching. Choose a non-MAOI alternative for one indication.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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