Selegiline and Tyramine Containing Foods: Drug Interaction Guide
Quick answer: This is a major interaction — avoid combining Selegiline and Tyramine Containing Foods unless specifically directed by your doctor.
How Selegiline interacts with Tyramine Containing Foods
At higher doses, selegiline loses MAO-B selectivity and inhibits MAO-A, preventing breakdown of dietary tyramine and risking hypertensive crisis ('cheese reaction').
What you should do
Counsel patients on a low-tyramine diet (avoid aged cheese, cured meats, fermented soy products) particularly when selegiline doses exceed 10 mg/day or with transdermal formulations.
Key facts
Severity
Major — avoid combination
Mechanism
At higher doses, selegiline loses MAO-B selectivity and inhibits MAO-A, preventing breakdown of dietary tyramine and ris...
Action
Counsel patients on a low-tyramine diet (avoid aged cheese, cured meats, fermented soy products) particularly when seleg...
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Selegiline and Tyramine Containing Foods together?
No — this combination should generally be avoided. Counsel patients on a low-tyramine diet (avoid aged cheese, cured meats, fermented soy products) particularly when selegiline doses exceed 10 mg/day or with transdermal formulations.
What is the severity of this interaction?
The interaction between Selegiline and Tyramine Containing Foods is classified as Major — avoid combination. At higher doses, selegiline loses MAO-B selectivity and inhibits MAO-A, preventing breakdown of dietary tyramine and risking hypertensive crisis ('cheese reaction').
What should I do if I'm prescribed both?
Counsel patients on a low-tyramine diet (avoid aged cheese, cured meats, fermented soy products) particularly when selegiline doses exceed 10 mg/day or with transdermal formulations. Always consult your prescribing clinician — do not stop or change medications without medical guidance.
Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.