Drug interactions
Selegiline transdermal + Sumatriptan
Severity: Major
Selegiline transdermal and Sumatriptan: 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 an MAO inhibitor, and transdermal use at antidepressant doses inhibits both MAO-A and MAO-B. Because sumatriptan is metabolized by MAO-A, its levels can rise and serotonin syndrome becomes a concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Selegiline transdermal and Sumatriptan 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of MAO-A reduces sumatriptan clearance, combined with additive serotonergic effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, as sumatriptan labeling warns against use with or within two weeks of MAO-A inhibitors. Use a non-serotonergic migraine treatment instead and monitor closely if unavoidable.
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 Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Selegiline transdermal with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Selegiline transdermal and Sumatriptan 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 an MAO inhibitor, and transdermal use at antidepressant doses inhibits both MAO-A and MAO-B. Because sumatriptan is metabolized by MAO-A, its levels can rise and serotonin syndrome becomes a concern.
How serious is the interaction between Selegiline transdermal and Sumatriptan?
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, as sumatriptan labeling warns against use with or within two weeks of MAO-A inhibitors. Use a non-serotonergic migraine treatment instead and monitor closely if unavoidable.
What other medicines interact with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sumatriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Sumatriptan page.
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