Selegiline

About Selegiline

This belongs to the group of medicines known as dopaminergic drugs.

Selegiline is used to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown but it's 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.

Selegiline is available in tablet, oral liquid and oral lyophilisate (melt-on-the-tongue tablet) form.

It is also sometimes known as: Eldepryl; Zelapar. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Selegiline may be used together with another drug called levodopa.

Before Taking Selegiline

Before taking selegiline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding
• if you have liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from blood pressure problems, arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), angina (chest pain) or mental problems
• if you have a stomach or duodenal ulcer
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Selegiline

• Take selegiline exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• The prescribed dose of selegiline oral lyophilisates should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve in the morning (before breakfast). Do not drink or rinse your mouth for at least five minutes after taking your dose of selegiline.
• Do not stop taking selegiline without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce your dose of selegiline gradually before stopping.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of selegiline contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Selegiline is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside selegiline.
• Selegiline can cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Physical activities must be increased gradually to allow your body to adjust to changing balance, circulation and co-ordination. This is especially important in the elderly.
• Selegiline can sometimes cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. Alternatively a saliva substitute is available to purchase from your pharmacist. If dry mouth becomes too troublesome speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Selegiline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Constipation, diarrhoea, feeling or being sick, dry or sore mouth, sore throat, stuffy nose, mood changes, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, headache, shakiness, dizziness, problems sleeping, problems with balance, back pain, muscle cramps, joint pain, difficulty urinating (passing water), skin rashes or mouth ulcers.

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

How to store Selegiline

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 05/11/2004