Cocoa - Xadago (Safinamide Mesylate) Interaction
Herbal: Cocoa
Also Known As: Theobroma cacao, Chocolat, Chocolat Noir, Chocolate, Cocoa Bean, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Oleum, Cocoa Seed, Cocoa Semen, Cocoa Testae, Dark Chocolate, Dutch Cocoa, Fève de Cacao, Graine de Cacao, Theobroma, Theobromine, Théobromine
Drug: Safinamide Mesylate
Brand names:
Xadago
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 11, 2025
Interaction Details
Safinamide Mesylate is classified as belonging to the following category: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine with MAOIs might precipitate a hypertensive crisis.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
Cocoa Overview
Cocoa is a plant native to South America, and is the source of cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate and other products. Cocoa beans are rich in a number of compounds that are believed to have health benefits, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and other antioxidants.
In traditional medicine, cocoa is used as a natural remedy for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other cardiovascular problems. It is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, and it may be helpful in reducing inflammation and swelling in the body.
Safinamide Mesylate Overview
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Safinamide is used along with the combination of levodopa and carbidopa (Duopa, Rytary, Sinemet, others) to treat ''off'' episodes (times of difficulty moving, walking, and speaking that may happen as medication wears off or at random) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance). Safinamide is in a group of medications called monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine (a natural substance that is needed to control movement) in the brain.
Cocoa - More Interactions
Cocoa interacts with 653 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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