Drug interactions
Rasagiline + Sertraline
Severity: Major
Rasagiline and Sertraline: 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
Combining an SSRI with the MAO-B inhibitor rasagiline has led to serotonin syndrome and severe CNS toxicity with hyperthermia. Labeling advises a washout between these agents because of this risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rasagiline and Sertraline 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Increased synaptic serotonin from serotonin reuptake inhibition combined with inhibition of monoamine oxidase, producing excess serotonergic activity.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; allow at least 14 days after stopping rasagiline before starting sertraline and about 5 weeks after stopping sertraline before starting rasagiline. If combined under specialist supervision, monitor closely for agitation, tremor, clonus, and fever.
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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
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 Rasagiline with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Rasagiline and Sertraline 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. Combining an SSRI with the MAO-B inhibitor rasagiline has led to serotonin syndrome and severe CNS toxicity with hyperthermia. Labeling advises a washout between these agents because of this risk.
How serious is the interaction between Rasagiline and Sertraline?
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 concurrent use where possible; allow at least 14 days after stopping rasagiline before starting sertraline and about 5 weeks after stopping sertraline before starting rasagiline. If combined under specialist supervision, monitor closely for agitation, tremor, clonus, and fever.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
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