Selegiline: what it is and when people use it

Selegiline is a medicine many doctors use for Parkinson's disease and, in a patch form, for depression. It works mainly by blocking MAO-B, an enzyme that breaks down dopamine. That helps raise dopamine levels in the brain, which can ease movement problems in Parkinson's and lift mood when used correctly.

There are two common forms: oral tablets (brand names include Eldepryl or Zelapar) and a skin patch (Emsam). The patch releases drug steadily over 24 hours and is often chosen when people can't tolerate oral options or need a steady dose for depression.

Practical dosing and what to watch for

Typical Parkinson's dosing for oral selegiline is 5 mg twice daily, though doctors may adjust this. The transdermal patch comes in 6 mg/24h, 9 mg/24h, and 12 mg/24h sizes. The lowest patch (6 mg) usually doesn't require strict dietary limits, but the 9 mg and 12 mg patches can affect MAO-A too and may mean you need to avoid high-tyramine foods (aged cheeses, cured meats, some fermented products) to prevent a hypertensive reaction.

Common side effects include insomnia, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and sometimes jitteriness. Because selegiline can metabolize into amphetamine-like compounds, some people notice poor sleep or feeling wired—taking the oral dose early in the day often helps.

Key interactions and safety tips

Selegiline can interact badly with several drugs. Do not combine it with SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, or certain pain medicines like meperidine or tramadol—these combinations can cause serotonin syndrome or other dangerous effects. Avoid dextromethorphan (some cough medicines) and stimulants. If you take levodopa for Parkinson's, selegiline is sometimes used with it to improve effect, but your doctor will monitor for extra side effects like high blood pressure or hallucinations.

Tell your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, and supplements you use. That includes herbal products like St. John’s wort, which can increase serotonin risk. If you start a new medicine, check with the prescriber or pharmacist about interactions before combining it with selegiline.

Stop immediately and get medical help if you have severe headache, very high blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat, fever, confusion, or extreme agitation—these can be signs of dangerous reactions like serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis.

If you’re thinking about starting, stopping, or switching selegiline, talk to your clinician. Don’t change doses on your own. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Ask your provider—there are risks and safer options. For more reliable drug info and tips about safe purchases or interactions, search RxStore-365 or talk to your pharmacist.