Selegiline (By Mouth)

Selegiline (se-LE-ji-leen)

Treats Parkinson's disease.

Brand Name(s):

Eldepryl
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had a previous allergic reaction to selegiline, or if you are taking meperidine (Demerol®) or fluoxetine (Prozac®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• You should not use more than your doctor has ordered.
• Take this medicine with breakfast or lunch. You should not use it with dinner because you may have trouble sleeping.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, light and moisture.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Certain foods and drinks can cause dangerously high blood pressure if eaten while taking doses of selegiline more than 10 mg daily. Some of these foods are: smoked or pickled meats, aged cheese (except cream or cottage cheese), liver, broad beans, yeast or soy sauce, avocados, bananas, figs, raisins, bologna, pepperoni, salami, summer sausage, sauerkraut, yogurt, fish, poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), beer, reduced-alcohol beer and wine, red and white wines, sherry, liqueurs, or caffeine (chocolate, coffee, tea, soda pop).
• This severe reaction is rare and unlikely to happen if you are taking 10 mg or less of selegiline daily. Ask your doctor if there are dietary restrictions you should follow while taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking a type of medicine to treat depression called a tricyclic antidepressant. These include: amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, and trimipramine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking selegiline if you have had problems with stomach ulcers.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking selegiline.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Severe headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Uncontrolled movements especially of the face, neck, or back
• Mood or mental changes
• Bloody or black stools

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Dry mouth
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.