Drug Interactions between rasagiline and suvorexant

Rasagiline may be taken with or without food. There is no need to avoid most foods and beverages during treatment with rasagiline, as long as you are not receiving more than 1 mg per day of the medication. However, certain foods such as some of the aged cheeses (for example, Boursault, Liederkrantz, Mycella, and Stilton) may contain very high amounts of tyramine and should generally be avoided if possible. Consumption of very high levels of tyramine (greater than 150 mg) while on rasagiline treatment may lead to dangerous increases in your blood pressure, a condition known as hypertensive crisis. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain about what foods, if any, to avoid. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden and severe headache, blurred vision, confusion, seizures, chest pain, nausea or vomiting, sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), speech difficulties, fever, sweating, lightheadedness, and/or fainting during treatment with rasagiline, as these may be signs and symptoms of a hypertensive crisis. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs, since some medications may increase the blood levels of rasagiline and possibly lead to interactions with tyramine-rich foods. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food can delay the absorption of suvorexant, which may increase the amount of time it takes for the medication to work. For faster sleep onset, do not take suvorexant with or soon after a meal. Suvorexant should also not be taken with grapefruit juice, as it may significantly increase the levels of medication in the blood. This can increase the risk of side effects including excessive drowsiness, motor impairment, amnesia, anxiety, hallucinations, and breathing difficulties (especially if you have a respiratory disorder such as asthma or obstructive sleep apnea). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with suvorexant. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you, and do not exceed the dosage or frequency of use prescribed by your doctor. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.