Drug interactions
Safinamide + Sertraline
Severity: Major
Safinamide 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
Safinamide is a reversible MAO-B inhibitor, and combination with SSRIs has been associated with serotonin syndrome. Risk is lower than with nonselective MAO inhibitors but not negligible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Safinamide 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.
Safinamide belongs to Central Nervous System; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from MAO-B inhibition and serotonin reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and clonus, particularly after dose changes. Stop one or both drugs if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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 Safinamide
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amphetamine polistirex + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Safinamide with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Safinamide 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. Safinamide is a reversible MAO-B inhibitor, and combination with SSRIs has been associated with serotonin syndrome. Risk is lower than with nonselective MAO inhibitors but not negligible.
How serious is the interaction between Safinamide 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: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and clonus, particularly after dose changes. Stop one or both drugs if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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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