Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

SELEGILINE - ORAL

(seh-LEDGE-uh-leen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Carbex, Eldepryl

Uses

This medication is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is used along with levodopa or levodopa/carbidopa to make it more effective.

How To Use

Take this medication 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 this drug without first consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

This medication 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, this medication 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. This medication can cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days of therapy. Avoid tasks requiring alertness if you experience these effects. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any of the following side effects: severe headache, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, tremors, clumsiness, confusion, involuntary movements (especially of the hands or face), nightmares, hallucinations, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: peptic ulcer, allergies (especially drug allergies). Selegiline should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: apraclonidine, brimonidine, bethanidine, bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, dextromethorphan, entacapone, herbal products (e.g., ma huang), indoramin, meperidine, papaverine, sibutramine, SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram), sympathomimetics (e.g., methylphenidate, ephedrine), tolcapone, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), "triptans" (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting selegiline. Before using this medication, be sure to tell your doctor what medicines (both prescription and nonprescription) you are taking, including: levodopa, insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs, other MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine), tryptophan, 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 this medication 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 this medication. 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, and seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication 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.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).