Uses
What is selegiline used for?
Selegiline is commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects the part of your brain that controls your movements.
Selegiline may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does selegiline work (mechanism of action)?
Selegiline belongs to a group of medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). It is believed to increase the amount of a natural chemical called dopamine in the brain, which helps alleviate the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
How is selegiline supplied (dosage forms)?
Selegiline is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 5 mg oral capsules
- 5 mg oral tablets
Selegiline is also available as a patch that is applied to the skin. See Emsam for more information.
Selegiline is also available as a tablet that dissolves in the mouth. See Zelapar for more information.
How should I store selegiline?
Selegiline should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of selegiline?
The most common side effects of selegiline are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Stomach pain
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Dry mouth
- Vivid dreams
- Headache
There may be other side effects of selegiline that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of selegiline?
While less common, the most serious side effects of selegiline are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Selegiline may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking selegiline and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Selegiline may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.
If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.
- Sudden severe headache
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blurry or other changes to vision
- Anxiety
- Buzzing in the ears
- Nosebleed
- Feeling of skipped heartbeats
Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Selegiline can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Sweating, fever, or flushing
- Confusion
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Seeing or hearing unusual things
- Dizziness
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
- Seizures
Uncontrollable, Involuntary Movements (Dyskinesia). Selegiline may cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any unusual or uncontrolled movements.
Unusual or Compulsive Behaviors. Selegiline can cause some people to have strong unusual and uncontrolled urges (compulsions), including gambling, sex, shopping, or eating. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have new or worsening strong urges or behaviors.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use selegiline?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take selegiline.
- Selegiline
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific selegiline products they stock.
Drug Interactions. Selegiline should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking selegiline, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about selegiline before using it?
Do not take selegiline unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share selegiline with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep selegiline out of the reach of children.
Selegiline may cause dizziness, especially when you stand up quickly after lying or sitting down. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how selegiline affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using selegiline?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if selegiline is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Unusual Urges. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of any intense urges, such as gambling or sexual urges. Selegiline may increase such urges.
Pregnancy. Selegiline may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if selegiline passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take selegiline while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does selegiline interact with foods or drinks?
Selegiline can increase your body’s sensitivity to tyramine, a natural compound found in large amounts in foods such as aged cheese, cured or processed meat, pickled or fermented vegetables, citrus and tropical fruits, and fermented alcoholic beverages such as beer or red wine. Avoid eating foods high in tyramine while taking selegiline as this may increase the risk of large increases in your blood pressure.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect selegiline. The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking selegiline. Certain alcoholic beverages, such as beer or red wine, should be avoided due to their high tyramine contents.
Does selegiline interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking selegiline.
- An opioid, such as meperidine, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
- A tricyclic antidepressant within the past 2 weeks, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
- Ephedrine, which is a medicine used to relieve symptoms of asthma
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with selegiline. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much selegiline?
If you or someone else has used too much selegiline, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of selegiline?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Selegiline?
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