Drug Interaction Report

Methylphenidate and Selegiline: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Methylphenidate and Selegiline interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Selegiline

Anipryl Zelapar
+

Methylphenidate

Adhansia XR® Aptensio Aptensio XR® Concerta Concerta® Cotempla Cotempla® XR-ODT Daytrana
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Contraindicated
These should generally not be used together.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 71 documented Methylphenidate interactions, 12 are rated contraindicated — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
rapid
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Contraindicated

What happens

An increased risk of hypertensive crisis (headache, palpitation, and neck stiffness)

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of methylphenidate and MAOIs can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure. Therefore concomitant use of methylphenidate with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment is contraindicated3124.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Unknown

Common questions

Can I take Methylphenidate and Selegiline together?

An increased risk of hypertensive crisis (headache, palpitation, and neck stiffness) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Methylphenidate and Selegiline interaction?

It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Methylphenidate or Selegiline need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (4)

  1. Product Information: COTEMPLA XR-ODT oral extended-release disintegrating tablets, methylphenidate oral extended-release disintegrating tablets. Neos Therapeutics Inc (per FDA), Grand Prairie, TX, 2023. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: DAYTRANA(R) transdermal system, methylphenidate transdermal system. Noven Therapeutics LLC (per FDA), Miami, FL, 2023. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: JORNAY PM(R) oral extended-release capsules, methylphenidate hydrochloride oral extended-release capsules. Ironshore Pharmaceuticals Inc (per FDA), Morrisville, NC, 2023. DailyMed
  4. Product Information: Ritalin LA(R) oral extended-release capsules, methylphenidate HCl oral extended-release capsules. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (per FDA), East Hanover, NJ, 2019. DailyMed
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Selegiline

Keep reading about Selegiline

All Selegiline interactions (48)
Also serious with: Morphine Injection Amitriptyline Maprotiline Methyldopa
Methylphenidate

Keep reading about Methylphenidate

All Methylphenidate interactions (71) Methylphenidate drug information
Also serious with: Isocarboxazid Methylene Blue Ozanimod Linezolid
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Selegiline + Activated Charcoal Beer Bitter Orange Brewer's Yeast Cowhage Fever Bark Lithium Rauvolfia Vomitoria + 94 more
Methylphenidate + Activated Charcoal Ephedra Lithium Peyote Rauvolfia Vomitoria Sida Cordifolia 1,3-dmaa 1,3-dmba + 77 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.