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Drug interactions

Selegiline transdermal + Zolmitriptan

Severity: Major

Selegiline transdermal and Zolmitriptan: 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

Transdermal selegiline at antidepressant doses inhibits MAO-A and MAO-B, and zolmitriptan's active metabolite is cleared by MAO-A. Levels of the triptan metabolite can rise and serotonin syndrome becomes a concern.

What this interaction means in plain words

Selegiline transdermal and Zolmitriptan 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: Moderate

Why it happens

MAO-A inhibition reduces zolmitriptan metabolite clearance, plus additive serotonergic effects.

What to do

Avoid the combination; zolmitriptan labeling advises against use with MAO-A inhibitors or within two weeks of stopping them. Choose a non-serotonergic migraine therapy.

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 transdermal with Zolmitriptan?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Selegiline transdermal and Zolmitriptan 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. Transdermal selegiline at antidepressant doses inhibits MAO-A and MAO-B, and zolmitriptan's active metabolite is cleared by MAO-A. Levels of the triptan metabolite can rise and serotonin syndrome becomes a concern.

How serious is the interaction between Selegiline transdermal and Zolmitriptan?

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; zolmitriptan labeling advises against use with MAO-A inhibitors or within two weeks of stopping them. Choose a non-serotonergic migraine therapy.

What other medicines interact with Zolmitriptan?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolmitriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Zolmitriptan page.

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