Drugs & Vitamins

Selegiline Active Ingredients: Selegiline Representative Names: Carbex, Eldepryl Available Product Images: What is selegiline? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with selegiline? What side effects may I notice from taking selegiline? What should I watch for while taking selegiline? Where can I keep my medicine? What is selegiline? (Back to top) SELEGILINE (Carbex®, Eldepryl®) helps to increase or extend the effects of levodopa or carbidopa, and slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Selegiline belongs to a class of drugs, called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), that block certain enzymes in the brain and change the balance of certain chemicals in the brain. Generic selegiline is available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •dementia •peptic ulcer •psychosis •unusual movements of the face, lips or tongue •an unusual or allergic reaction to selegiline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take selegiline by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. Do not open the capsules; swallow whole. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take doses in the late afternoon or evening. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking the tablets except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with selegiline? (Back to top) •birth control pills •caffeine •carbamazepine •dextromethorphan •ephedra, Ma huang •ephedrine •estrogens •furazolidone •guarana •linezolid •medicines for mental depression •meperidine •phenylpropanolamine •procarbazine •sumatriptan •tyramine—see below Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking selegiline? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •black, tarry stools •changes in behavior: mood swings, irritability, confusion, agitation •chest pain •difficulty breathing •difficulty speaking •enlarged pupils •fever, clammy skin, increased sweating •hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there) •headaches •lightheadedness or fainting spells; loss of balance •muscle or neck stiffness or spasms •slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) •uncontrollable muscle movements or spasms of the head, face, arms, or legs Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •anxiety or nervousness •blurred vision, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light •changes in taste •constipation or diarrhea •difficulty sleeping •drowsiness or dizziness •dry mouth •loss of appetite, weight loss •muscle aches or pains •nausea/vomiting •ringing in the ears •stomach discomfort or pain •unusual tiredness or weakness What should I watch for while taking selegiline? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It can take up to 4 weeks to see the full effects of selegiline. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine; this may make your condition worse or give you withdrawal symptoms. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice about gradually reducing your dosage. Even after you stop taking selegiline the effects can last for at least two weeks. If your prescriber or health care professional increases the dose of selegiline to more than 10 mg a day, ask him/her about possible interactions with foods that contain tyramine. At higher doses, selegiline may interact with these foods to produce severe headaches, a rise in blood pressure, or irregular heart beat. Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get frequent headaches or have palpitations. You may get drowsy, dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how selegiline affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness; avoid alcoholic drinks. Selegiline can make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase possible side effects to selegiline. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking selegiline. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:01/01/1995 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.