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Drug interactions

Selegiline + Yohimbine

Severity: Major

Selegiline and Yohimbine: 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

Yohimbine increases sympathetic outflow and blood pressure, and with an MAO inhibitor the pressor effect may be amplified. Yohimbine is advised against with MAOIs.

What this interaction means in plain words

Selegiline and Yohimbine 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 receptors and raises norepinephrine release, while MAO inhibition slows its breakdown.

What to do

Avoid the combination. If it has been used, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Selegiline with Yohimbine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Selegiline and Yohimbine 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. Yohimbine increases sympathetic outflow and blood pressure, and with an MAO inhibitor the pressor effect may be amplified. Yohimbine is advised against with MAOIs.

How serious is the interaction between Selegiline and Yohimbine?

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. If it has been used, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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