Drug title

Eldepryl (Selegiline)

Usage indications

Eldepryl is used in the treatment of Parkinson disease in patients who are taking Levodopa/Carbidopa.

Mode of application

You should use Eldepryl as directed by your doctor. Make sure to check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Eldepryl is taken by mouth with food.

Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.

Continue to take Eldepryl even if you feel well. Avoid missing any doses.

Should you miss a dose of Eldepryl, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Mechanism of action

Eldepryl is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It works by prolonging the anti-Parkinson activity of levodopa, which may help to slow the progression of Parkinson disease. Eldepryl has no anti-Parkinson effects of its own and must always be given in combination with levodopa/carbidopa.

Missed dozes

Make sure to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. In case it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Eldepryl is stored at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Precautions

Do NOT use Eldepryl if you are:

• allergic to any ingredient in Eldepryl
• taking fluoxetine or have taken it within the past 5 weeks
• taking bupropion, buspirone, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, meperidine, methadone, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (eg, atomoxetine), propoxyphene, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (eg, paroxetine), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (eg, duloxetine, venlafaxine), St. John's wort, a tetracyclic antidepressant (eg, mirtazapine), tramadol, or a tricyclic antidepressant (eg, amitriptyline), or if you have taken any of these medicines within the past 7 days
• using another form of selegiline; another MAOI (eg, phenelzine); a sympathomimetic, including an amphetamine, a cold product, or certain diet pills or preparations (eg, ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine); or sibutramine, or if you have taken any of these medicines within the past 7 days
• taking a 5-HT1 agonist (eg, sumatriptan), apraclonidine, carbamazepine, methylphenidate, oxcarbazepine, or nefazodone
• undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia or will be receiving cocaine or local anesthesia containing sympathomimetic vasoconstrictors
• aware of having certain adrenal gland problems (eg, pheochromocytoma)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Eldepryl:

Certain medical conditions may interact with Eldepryl. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of bipolar disorder, mania, mood or mental problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, twitching of the face and tongue and involuntary movements of the arms and legs)
• if you have a history of ulcer, heart problems, recent heart attack, seizures, blood problems, or a metabolism disorder

Certain MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Eldepryl. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Bupropion, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), meperidine, methadone, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (eg, atomoxetine), oral selegiline, propoxyphene, serotonin or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (eg, duloxetine, venlafaxine), sibutramine, SSRIs (eg, fluoxetine. paroxetine), St. John's wort, sympathomimetics (eg, amphetamines, ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine), tetracyclic antidepressants (eg, mirtazapine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because serotonin syndrome (eg, fever, muscle stiffness or rigidity, vital sign changes, mental or mood changes, coma) may occur
• Apraclonidine or buspirone because severe high blood pressure may occur
• Nefazodone or tryptophan because nausea, dizziness, mental or mood changes, seizures, fever, or breathing or heart problems may occur
• Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
• Carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine because they may increase the risk of Eldepryl 's side effects
• 5-HT1 agonists (eg, sumatriptan), insulin, meglitinide antidiabetics (eg, nateglinide), methylphenidate, or sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Eldepryl

Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Dizziness; dry mouth; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach pain; vivid dreams.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thinking; changes in sexual ability or desire; chest pain; confusion; dark or unusual growths on the skin or any skin changes; enlarged pupils; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; increased sweating; memory loss; nausea; neck stiffness or soreness; new or worsening agitation, aggressiveness, anxiety, depression, exaggerated feeling of well-being, hostility, impulsiveness, inability to sit still, irritability, panic attacks, or sleeplessness; rigid muscles; sensitivity to light; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; suicidal thought or actions; swelling of the arms or legs; tremor; unusual or intense urges (eg, gambling, sexual); vomiting.

Additional information

Should you have any questions about Eldepryl, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Eldepryl is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.