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Selegiline

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first - stopping suddenly can cause problems.

About selegiline

Type of medicineDopaminergic drug (monoamine-oxidase-B inhibitor)
Used forParkinson's disease
Also calledEldepryl®, Zelapar®
Available asTablets, oral liquid, and dissolve on the tongue (lyophilisate) tablets

The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown but the symptoms of tremor, stiffness and slow movement are due to there being less of a chemical called dopamine in the brain. Selegiline increases the effect of dopamine in the brain and so relieves these symptoms.

When selegiline is taken in the early stages of Parkinson's disease it can help delay the need for other treatments. When taken later in Parkinson's disease, selegiline is taken alongside other medicines (such as levodopa) and it helps to prevent the problems which can occur when the effects of these other medicines are wearing off.

Before taking selegiline

Before taking selegiline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have high blood pressure, an irregular heart beat, or angina pain.
  • If you have a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
  • If you have mental health problems.
  • If you have the rare blood disorder called porphyria.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take selegiline

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take selegiline exactly as your doctor has told you to. When you first start taking selegiline your doctor may suggest you start on a low dose and then gradually increase the amount. This will help prevent unwanted problems such as confusion from occurring.
  • Selegiline is usually taken as a single dose in the morning although your doctor may recommend you take half of your dose in the morning and the other half at midday.
  • If you are taking Zelapar® these tablets are intended to dissolve in the mouth and not be swallowed. Peel back the foil packaging and carefully remove the tablet - do not push it through the foil blister. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve in your mouth. Take your dose in the morning before breakfast and do not drink or rinse your mouth out for at least five minutes afterwards.
  • Try to take selegiline at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored.
  • As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. These should be increased gradually to allow your body to adjust to changing balance, circulation and co-ordination.
  • Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually if this is necessary, so do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking selegiline.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside this medicine.

Can selegiline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
ConstipationTry to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets
Feeling dizzy or shaky, or feeling light-headed when getting up from a sitting or lying positionGetting up and moving more slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint, then sit for a few minutes before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor
Difficulty sleeping, confusion, hallucinations, a spinning sensation, muscle or joint pain, and a sore mouthIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store selegiline

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3356DocRef: dils2357Last Reviewed: 13 Jul 2011Version: 23
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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