| Generic Name: | selegiline |
| Pronounced: | seh LEDGE ah leen |
| Brand Name: | Eldepryl |
What is the most important information I should know about selegiline? |
|
 | Do not take larger doses than are prescribed for you. Larger doses will not have any
greater effect, but serious side effects could result. |
|
 | Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Selegiline may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these
activities. |
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What is selegiline? |
| Selegiline is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is associated with low levels
of a chemical called dopamine (doe PA meen) in your brain. The exact way that selegiline works is
unknown. However, it is believed that selegiline prevents the breakdown of dopamine in your brain.
Selegiline is usually added to a treatment regimen after levodopa/carbidopa therapy begins to
deteriorate. |
| Selegiline is used to treat the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control of Parkinson's
disease. It is also used to treat the same muscular conditions when they are caused by drugs such as
chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others. |
| Selegiline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking selegiline? |
| Selegiline should not be taken if you are taking meperidine (Demerol). |
| Before taking selegiline, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions. You may
require special monitoring or a special dosage because of other conditions or other medicines that you
are taking. |
 | Selegiline is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether
selegiline will harm an unborn baby. Do not take selegiline without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant. |
|
 | It is also not known whether selegiline will harm a nursing infant. Do not take selegiline
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
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How should I take selegiline? |
|
| Take selegiline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. |
 | Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
|
 | Selegiline is usually taken twice a day, at breakfast and lunch. Follow your doctor's
directions. |
|
| Do not take larger doses than are prescribed for you. Larger doses will not have any
greater effect, but serious side effects could result. |
|
 | Store selegiline at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
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What happens if I miss a dose? |
| Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not
take a double dose of this medication. |
What happens if I overdose? |
 | Seek emergency medical attention. |
|
| Symptoms of a selegiline overdose include excitement, irritability, nervousness, insomnia,
dizziness, severe headache, hallucinations, weakness, sweating, and seizures. |
|
What should I avoid while taking selegiline? |
| Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Selegiline may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these
activities. |
|
| Do not take doses higher than those prescribed for you. Higher doses will not have any
greater effect, but serious side effects could result. |
|
What are the possible side effects of selegiline? |
|
| If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking selegiline and seek
emergency medical attention: |
|
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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a severe headache;
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restlessness, agitation, or irritability;
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sweating;
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convulsions; or
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uncontrollable or irregular movements.
|
| Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take selegiline
and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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dizziness or drowsiness;
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nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea;
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insomnia or vivid dreams;
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mild confusion, agitation, or anxiety;
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a mild headache; or
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dry mouth.
|
| Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
|
What other drugs will affect selegiline? |
| Before taking selegiline, tell your doctor if you are taking: |
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fluoxetine (Prozac), or
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meperidine (Demerol).
|
| You may not be able to take selegiline, or you may require a dose
adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking either of the medicines listed above. |
| Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with selegiline. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. |
Where can I get more information? |
| Your pharmacist has more information about selegiline written for health professionals that you
may read. |
What does my medication look like? |
| Selegiline is available with a prescription under the brand name Eldepryl. Other brand or generic
formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication,
especially if it is new to you. |
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Eldepryl 5 mg--aqua-blue capsules
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| Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. |
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