Eldepryl / Selegiline is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is used along with levodopa or levodopa/carbidopa to make it more effective.
How to take Eldepryl / Selegiline
Take Eldepryl as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed. It may take a few weeks for the full benefits of the drug to be noticed. Do not stop taking Eldepryl without first consulting your doctor.
Side Effects
Eldepryl / Selegiline may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, heartburn or dry mouth. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute.
Infrequently, Eldepryl / Selegiline may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps.
Eldepryl / Selegiline can cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days of therapy. Avoid tasks requiring alertness if you experience these effects.
While taking Eldepryl / Selegiline, notify your doctor promptly if you have
- a severe headache
- chest pain
- a fast, slow or pounding heartbeat
- tremors
- clumsiness
- confusion
- involuntary movements especially of the hands or face
- nightmares
- hallucinations
- difficulty breathing
- difficult urination
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before using Eldepryl / Selegiline, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of peptic ulcer and of any allergies you may have. Selegiline should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if Eldepryl / Selegiline is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Be sure to tell your doctor what medicines (both prescription and nonprescription) you are taking, including:
- meperidine and other narcotic pain relievers
- drugs used for depression-especially SSRI's (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine)
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin)
- other MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine)
- dextromethorphan (an ingredient found in cough syrups); sumatriptan; bethanidine
- indoramin
- buspirone
- levodopa
- certain sympathomimetics found in over-the-counter cold remedies and asthma inhalers (e.g., epinephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine)
- dexfenfluramine
- fenfluramine
- insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs
- sedatives and drugs used to aid sleep
- drugs used for blood pressure
Consult your doctor about the need to watch your intake of foods containing tyramine. It is possible consuming tyramine- containing foods while using Eldepryl / Selegiline could cause headache and/or increased blood pressure and could lead to a medical emergency. Tyramine food precautions should be observed for at least 2 weeks after you stop using Eldepryl / Selegiline. The following is a partial list of tyramine-containing foods:
- Meat or Fish - pickled herring/liver/dry sausage/salami/meats prepared with tenderizer
- Dairy - yogurt/sour cream/aged cheeses (cream or cottage cheese are okay)
- Beverages - beer/red wine/sherry - Avoid excessive amount of caffeine-containing colas/coffee/tea
- Fruits and Vegetables - avocado/bananas/figs/raisins/broad beans/sauerkraut
- Other - yeast extract/soy sauce/large amounts of chocolate
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may be absent for up to 12 hours and may include - excitement
- irritability
- restlessness
- dizziness
- weakness
- drowsiness
- flushing
- sweating
- fast heartbeat
- headache
- confusion
- seizures
Notes
Do not share Eldepryl / Selegiline with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
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