The US FDA approved Selegiline on 27th February 2006 to treat of Parkinson’s disease.

Selegiline is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This medicine can be used by itself initially to manage your condition. Later on, it can also be used with other medications, like Levodopa, to help with specific symptoms that might come and go as your condition changes.

Take the Selegiline as your physician advises. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

Some Serious side effects while taking Selegiline are abnormal liver functions, confusion, experiencing unreal situations, and depression, while common side effects encompass sore mouth, swollen gums, loss of balance, slow heartbeat, dizziness, headache, shaking, sleep disorders, fluctuations in blood pressure, blocked nose, sore throat, back pain, joint pain, muscle cramps, tiredness, ear disorders, excessive sweating, constipation, and diarrhea.

Do not use Selegiline if you are allergic to Selegiline or any of its ingredients. Do not take antidepressants, opioid painkillers, MAO inhibitors, migraine medications, or sympathomimetic drugs. Avoid taking this medicine if you have stomach ulcers or a non-Parkinson's related movement disorder. Stop antidepressants weeks before starting this medicine, and consult your doctor for guidance. Avoid taking this medicine with Levodopa if you have any of the following conditions: significant heart or blood vessel problems, chest pain, high blood pressure, irregular or fast heartbeat, overactive thyroid gland, narrow-angle glaucoma, adrenal gland tumor, prostate tumor, or severe mental health issues like schizophrenia or advanced dementia.

Before taking Selegiline, consult your doctor or pharmacist if any have uncontrolled high blood pressure, chest pain, palpitations, or abnormal heartbeat, kidney or liver issues, treatment for mental illness, anxiety, or sleep problems, a history of stomach ulcers, concurrent use of Levodopa (which may require dose adjustments and close monitoring), upcoming surgery (Eldepryl may interact with anesthesia medications), or a history of unusual urges or behaviors like excessive gambling or sexual behavior.  Before taking the medicine, notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Follow your doctor's recommendations closely throughout the process. If you experience any concerning symptoms or side effects, be sure to inform your healthcare provider immediately. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not breastfeed while taking the Selegiline tablet. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information.

1. Orion Pharma (UK) Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Mar 2021] [Accessed on 21st Aug 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2251.pdf
2. AA Pharma Inc., [Revised on 19th Mar 2021] [Accessed on 21st Aug 2021], https://www.aapharma.ca/downloads/en//PIL/2021/SelegilinePM_ENG.pdf
3. KD Tripathi, Antiparkinsonian Drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 452-461.
4. Michael J. Aminoff, Pharmacologic Management of Parkinsonism & Other Movement Disorders, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 492-510.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.