Drug interactions
Selegiline + Trazodone
Severity: Major
Selegiline and Trazodone: 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
Selegiline is a MAO-B inhibitor that loses selectivity at higher doses and especially the transdermal form, so combination with trazodone may cause serotonin syndrome. Cases of serious serotonergic toxicity have been described with antidepressants and selegiline.
What this interaction means in plain words
Selegiline and Trazodone 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.
Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System; Trazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effect from serotonin reuptake inhibition and MAO inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination, especially with transdermal or higher-dose selegiline. If unavoidable, use low doses and monitor closely for serotonin syndrome.
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 Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone 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 Selegiline with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Selegiline and Trazodone 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. Selegiline is a MAO-B inhibitor that loses selectivity at higher doses and especially the transdermal form, so combination with trazodone may cause serotonin syndrome. Cases of serious serotonergic toxicity have been described with antidepressants and selegiline.
How serious is the interaction between Selegiline and Trazodone?
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 the combination, especially with transdermal or higher-dose selegiline. If unavoidable, use low doses and monitor closely for serotonin syndrome.
What other medicines interact with Trazodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Trazodone with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Ibutilide, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Trazodone page.
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