Eldepryl (Selegiline)

General information

Eldepryl belongs to a class of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It is used to treat movement disorders caused by Parkinson's disease. It does not cure Parkinson's disease, but it may improve shakiness (tremor), muscle stiffness, loss of normal movement as your dose of other Parkinson's medication wears off, and sudden switching between normal movement and stiffness. It is usually used in combination with other medicines (levodopa, carbidopa). Eldepryl works by slowing the breakdown of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin).

Directions

Take Eldepryl exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended starting dosage for Parkinson's disease is 5 mg twice daily, at breakfast and lunch. Taking it late in the day may cause trouble sleeping. Do not stop taking Eldepryl suddenly or you may have harmful side effects. Take it at the same times each day.

Precautions

Before taking Eldepryl you should talk with your doctor if you have liver disease, liver failure, hepatitis, cirrhosis, kidney disease, kidney failure, high blood pressure, heart disease, bleeding problems, diabetes, mental or mood disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. You must not eat foods that are high in tyramine (e.g. aged cheeses, beer from a tap, air dried meats etc.). It can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels which could cause life-threatening side effects. Avoid drinking alcohol.

Contraindications

You should not take Eldepryl if you are allergic to it, selegiline hydrochloride, or any of the inactive components of the drug, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), cerebrovascular disease, heart problems (congestive heart failure, heart attack), high blood pressure, history of severe or frequent headaches, peptic ulcer.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have sudden and severe headache, confusion, back pain, blurred vision, problems with speech or balance, difficulty breathing, hives, widened pupils, chest pain, painful or difficult urination, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, constipation, vomiting, seizure (convulsions), and sudden numbness, hallucinations, dizziness, weakness, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, sleep problems (insomnia), sensitivity to light (photophobia), feeling lightheaded, fainting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: antidepressants (fluoxetine, amitriptyline, citalopram, nortriptyline, doxepin), antibiotics (erythromycin, rifampin), seizure medicine (carbamazepine, phenobarbital), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (rasagiline, isocarboxazid, phenelzine), SSRI or SNRI antidepressants (desvenlafaxine, escitalopram, sertraline, venlafaxine), tryptophan, levodopa medications, cyclobenzaprine, atomoxetine, apraclonidine. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are excitement, irritability, restlessness, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, flushing, sweating, fast heartbeat, headache, confusion, and seizures.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.