Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Selegiline is utilized to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in individuals concurrently taking the levodopa and carbidopa combination. In those with Parkinson’s disease, selegiline may offer assistance by reducing the required dose of levodopa/carbidopa to control symptoms, preventing the wearing-off effects between doses, and extending the duration during which levodopa/carbidopa effectively manages symptoms.
Selegiline belongs to a class of medications known as monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors. Its mechanism of action involves enhancing the levels of dopamine, a natural substance crucial for controlling movement, in the brain.
Uses and Dosage
Selegiline is available in capsule and orally disintegrating tablet forms for oral administration. The capsule is typically taken twice daily with breakfast and lunch. The orally disintegrating tablet is usually taken once a day before breakfast, without food, water, or other liquids.
Adhere to the prescribed dosage of selegiline, avoiding taking more or less than instructed, and refrain from exceeding the recommended frequency as directed by your doctor. Overdosing on selegiline can lead to a sudden and hazardous increase in blood pressure.
For those using the orally disintegrating tablet, only remove the blister containing the tablets from the outer pouch when ready to take a dose. Use dry hands to open one blister, placing the tablet on your tongue to dissolve. Refrain from swallowing the tablet, and avoid consuming food or beverages for 5 minutes before and after taking the tablet.
If prescribed the orally disintegrating tablet, your doctor may initiate treatment with a low dose of selegiline, adjusting the dosage after six weeks.
Inform your doctor if you encounter nausea, stomach pain, or dizziness. Your doctor may consider reducing your levodopa/carbidopa dose during selegiline treatment, especially if you experience these symptoms or other unusual reactions. Adhere closely to these guidelines, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if unsure about the correct dosage.
Do not alter the doses of your medications without your doctor’s guidance.
While selegiline may help manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms, it does not cure the condition. Avoid discontinuing selegiline without consulting your doctor. Suddenly stopping Parkinson’s disease medications, including selegiline, may result in symptoms like fever, sweating, stiff muscles, and loss of consciousness. Contact your doctor if you experience these or other unusual symptoms after discontinuing selegiline.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- fainting
- dry mouth
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- difficulty swallowing
- heartburn
- diarrhea
- gas
- constipation
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- unusual dreams
- sleepiness
- depression
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- severe headache
- chest pain
- fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- sweating
- sudden, severe nausea and vomiting
- confusion
- stiff or sore neck
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body
- unusual movements that are difficult to control
- hallucinations (seeing thing or hearing voices that do not exist)
- difficulty breathing
Caution
- Before taking selegiline, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have to it or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions or other issues.
- Discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a certain type of adrenal gland tumor, cerebrovascular disease, heart problems, bleeding problems, a history of severe/frequent headaches, peptic ulcer, diabetes, personal/family history of mental/mood disorders, personal/family history of high blood pressure, liver disease, or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
- This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. The use of alcohol or marijuana can enhance these effects. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
- During pregnancy, selegiline should be used only when clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 7 days after the last dose.
Form and Strength
Eldepryl is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Eldepryl tablet:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- selegiline tablet:
- 5 mg
FAQ
Can I take Eldepryl even if I’m not taking carbidopa/levodopa?
Generally no, Eldepryl is meant to be used as an add-on treatment for people who experience “wearing-off” periods while taking carbidopa/levodopa.
How long does it take for Eldepryl to kick in?
The drug can take up to a few weeks to be effective, but improvements are noticeable within a few days of taking it.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/selegiline/what-is
- https://www.yashodahospitals.com/medicine-faqs/selegiline/#:~:text=1.,few%20days%20of%20taking%20it
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/selegiline-oral-route/description/drg-20061264
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697046.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-13490/eldepryl-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/eldepryl.html
