Drug interactions
Safinamide + Tetrabenazine
Severity: Major
Safinamide and Tetrabenazine: 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
Tetrabenazine depletes presynaptic dopamine and weakly blocks D2 receptors, which can oppose safinamide and worsen parkinsonism. Tetrabenazine also carries depression and suicidality risk, and MAO inhibitors raise monoamine concerns.
What this interaction means in plain words
Safinamide and Tetrabenazine 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; Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
VMAT2 inhibition depletes monoamines, antagonizing dopaminergic antiparkinsonian therapy.
What to do
Avoid in Parkinson disease if feasible; if tetrabenazine is essential, monitor motor function and mood closely and adjust the antiparkinsonian regimen.
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 Safinamide
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amphetamine polistirex + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Safinamide with Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Safinamide and Tetrabenazine 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. Tetrabenazine depletes presynaptic dopamine and weakly blocks D2 receptors, which can oppose safinamide and worsen parkinsonism. Tetrabenazine also carries depression and suicidality risk, and MAO inhibitors raise monoamine concerns.
How serious is the interaction between Safinamide and Tetrabenazine?
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 in Parkinson disease if feasible; if tetrabenazine is essential, monitor motor function and mood closely and adjust the antiparkinsonian regimen.
What other medicines interact with Safinamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Safinamide with, for example, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Amphetamine polistirex. The full list is on the Safinamide page.
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