Drug interactions
Safinamide + Valbenazine
Severity: Moderate
Safinamide and Valbenazine: moderate 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
Valbenazine is a VMAT2 inhibitor, and the labeling advises caution with MAO inhibitors because of altered monoamine handling. Safinamide is an MAO-B inhibitor and the combination could reduce valbenazine efficacy or, theoretically, raise the risk of serotonergic or other monoamine-related toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Safinamide and Valbenazine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Safinamide belongs to Central Nervous System; Valbenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Opposing and additive effects on synaptic monoamine levels through VMAT2 inhibition and MAO-B inhibition; not firmly established clinically.
What to do
Monitor for reduced valbenazine response and for signs of serotonin toxicity or blood pressure changes when combining. Consider whether both agents are needed and reassess if symptoms develop.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Valbenazine
- Deutetrabenazine + Valbenazine Contraindicated
- Tranylcypromine + Valbenazine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Valbenazine Major
- Amisulpride + Valbenazine Major
- Apalutamide + Valbenazine Major
- Carbamazepine + Valbenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Safinamide with Valbenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Safinamide and Valbenazine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Valbenazine is a VMAT2 inhibitor, and the labeling advises caution with MAO inhibitors because of altered monoamine handling. Safinamide is an MAO-B inhibitor and the combination could reduce valbenazine efficacy or, theoretically, raise the risk of serotonergic or other monoamine-related toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Safinamide and Valbenazine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for reduced valbenazine response and for signs of serotonin toxicity or blood pressure changes when combining. Consider whether both agents are needed and reassess if symptoms develop.
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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