Drug interactions
Selegiline + Valbenazine
Severity: Major
Selegiline and Valbenazine: 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
Valbenazine inhibits VMAT2, and its use with MAO inhibitors may disturb monoamine handling. This could raise the risk of serotonergic or hypertensive effects, or blunt the therapeutic effect of valbenazine on dyskinesia. The labeling advises against concurrent use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Selegiline and Valbenazine 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; Valbenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Combined VMAT2 inhibition and MAO inhibition alters synaptic monoamine concentrations; the exact outcome is not well characterized.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose an alternative to one agent. If both are required, monitor for serotonin toxicity, blood pressure changes and loss of valbenazine efficacy.
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 Selegiline
- Amitriptyline + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Selegiline 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 Selegiline with Valbenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Selegiline and Valbenazine 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. Valbenazine inhibits VMAT2, and its use with MAO inhibitors may disturb monoamine handling. This could raise the risk of serotonergic or hypertensive effects, or blunt the therapeutic effect of valbenazine on dyskinesia. The labeling advises against concurrent use.
How serious is the interaction between Selegiline and Valbenazine?
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 where possible and choose an alternative to one agent. If both are required, monitor for serotonin toxicity, blood pressure changes and loss of valbenazine efficacy.
What other medicines interact with Selegiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Selegiline with, for example, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine. The full list is on the Selegiline page.
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