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Why is this medication prescribed?
Selegiline is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. You may take it in combination with another medication.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Selegiline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day. Selegiline may be taken for a long time to treat Parkinson's disease. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take selegiline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking selegiline suddenly without talking with your doctor. Sudden stoppage can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking selegiline,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to selegiline, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had blood vessel, heart, kidney, liver, or lung disease; glaucoma; skin cancer; hormone problems; asthma; emphysema; mental illness; diabetes; ulcers; heart attacks; irregular heartbeat; or seizures.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking selegiline, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking selegiline.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Selegiline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Do not eat the following foods while taking selegiline and for 2 weeks after you stop taking it: pickled herring, liver, dried sausage, salami, meats prepared with tenderizer, sauerkraut, fish, poultry, yogurt, sour cream, aged cheeses (except cream or cottage cheese), beer, red wine, sherry, avocados, bananas, figs, raisins, broad beans, yeast extract, and soy sauce. Do not consume large amounts of chocolate, coffee, tea, or colas that contain caffeine.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Try not to take the last dose late in the day.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects from selegiline are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- heartburn
- constipation
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- severe headache
- chest pain
- fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- tremors
- confusion
- involuntary movements of hands or face
- nightmares
- difficulty breathing
- difficulty urinating
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to selegiline.
Call your doctor if your Parkinson's disease symptoms (shaking, stiffness, and slowness of movement) worsen or vary in severity.
As your condition improves and it is easier for you to move, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Increase your activity gradually to avoid falls and injuries.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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