Drug
Selegiline
Common brand names:
Eldepryl, Emsam, ZelaparSelegiline is used together with levodopa and carbidopa to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
Negative Interactions
2- Potential Negative Interaction
Selegiline
Ephedra
Ephedrine is an active ingredient found in ephedra, an herb that until 2004 was used in cold remedies and herbal weight loss products. One individual taking selegiline together with ephedrine experienced a serious side effect known as hypertensive crisis, in which blood pressure can reach dangerous levels. Though no studies have investigated whether the herb ephedra might result in similar effects, the current evidence suggests that people taking selegiline should avoid all products that contain ephedra.
EphedraSelegiline- Sifton DW, ed. Physicians' Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1025-7.
- Potential Negative Interaction
Selegiline
Scotch Broom
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
Scotch broom contains high levels of tyramine. Combining phenelzine and Scotch broom may cause MAOI-type reactions (diarrhoea, flushing, sweating, pounding chest, dangerous changes in blood pressure, and other symptoms). It is important for people taking phenelzine to avoid Scotch broom. People with questions about phenelzine and Scotch broom should ask their doctor.
Scotch BroomSelegiline- Brinker F. Interactions of pharmaceutical and botanical medicines. J Naturopathic Med 1997;7(2):14-20.
Supportive Interactions
2- Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Selegiline
Vitamin B6
This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
Phenelzine has a chemical structure similar to other drugs (isoniazid and hydralazine) that can cause vitamin B6 deficiency. One case of phenelzine-induced vitamin B6 deficiency has been reported. Little is known about this interaction. People taking phenelzine should ask their doctor about monitoring vitamin B6 levels and considering supplementation.
Vitamin B6Selegiline- Heller CA, Friedman PA. Pyridoxine deficiency and peripheral neuropathy associated with long-term phenelzine therapy. Am J Med 1983;75:887-8.
- Support Medicine
Selegiline
L-Tryptophan
Both L-tryptophan and 5-HTP have been used to treat depression. One controlled study showed that taking selegiline at the same time as 5-HTP enhanced the antidepressant effect when compared with 5-HTP alone. Further research is needed to determine whether taking selegiline and 5-HTP together might result in unwanted side effects.
L-TryptophanSelegiline- Mendlewicz J, Youdim MB. Antidepressant potentiation of 5-hydroxytryptophan by L-deprenil in affective illness. J Affect Disord 1980;2:137-46.
Explanation Required
1- Needs Explanation
Selegiline
5-HTP
Both L-tryptophan and 5-HTP have been used to treat depression. One controlled study showed that taking selegiline at the same time as 5-HTP enhanced the antidepressant effect when compared with 5-HTP alone. Further research is needed to determine whether taking selegiline and 5-HTP together might result in unwanted side effects.
5-HTPSelegiline- Mendlewicz J, Youdim MB. Antidepressant potentiation of 5-hydroxytryptophan by L-deprenil in affective illness. J Affect Disord 1980;2:137-46.