What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Methylphenidate and phenelzine
Phenelzine's FDA label of June 6, 2025 names methylphenidate in its contraindications section; methylphenidate's label does not name phenelzine itself but warns about its class (MAO inhibitors).
Check it at the source: the methylphenidate FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 31, 2026, Lannett Company, LLC); the phenelzine FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 6, 2025, Parke-Davis Div of Pfizer Inc).
What does the methylphenidate label say about phenelzine?
Methylphenidate's label does not name phenelzine itself; it warns about its class (MAO inhibitors):
Methylphenidate label, contraindicationsMethylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD is contraindicated in: Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD ( 4 ) Concurrent treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or use of an MAOI within the preceding 14 days ( 4 ) Use in patients with patients with hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency ( 4 ) Patients with pheochromocytoma or a history of …
Methylphenidate label, contraindicationsConcomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with an MAOI, because of the risk of hypertensive crisis [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
Source: FDA drug label (methylphenidate hydrochloride CD), Lannett Company, LLC, effective July 31, 2026 (SPL set e45c75dc-d381-475b-b649-a871c8a36e60), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the phenelzine label say about methylphenidate?
Phenelzine label, contraindicationsTherefore, patients being treated with NARDIL should not take sympathomimetic drugs (including amphetamines, cocaine, methylphenidate, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) or related compounds (including methyldopa, L-dopa, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, and phenylalanine).
Source: FDA drug label (Nardil), Parke-Davis Div of Pfizer Inc, effective June 6, 2025 (SPL set 513a41d0-37d4-4355-8a6d-a2c643bce6fa), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Methylphenidate | Phenelzine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD | n/a |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.158 per tablet 10 mg tablet | $0.586 per tablet 15 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | In shortage | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once