Selegiline

Information about Selegiline

Selegiline uses

Selegiline is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

How selegiline works

Selegiline works by increasing the amount of dopamine, a chemical messenger that is needed to control movement in the brain.

Common side effects of selegiline

Joint pain, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Vomiting, Dizziness, Constipation, Diarrhea, Confusion, Hallucination, Movement disorder, Headache, Vertigo, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Slow heart rate, Muscle cramp, Fatigue, Breathlessness, Rash, Pharyngitis, Sinus inflammation, Mouth ulcer, Increased liver enzymes, Abnormal dreams, Anxiety, Psychosis, Blurred vision, Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), Skin reaction

Available Medicine for Selegiline

  • ₹85 to ₹86
    Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹36
    Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹37
    Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹71
    D D Pharmaceuticals
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹32
    Cipla Ltd
    1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Selegiline

  • You have been prescribed Selegiline to treat your symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
  • It should preferably be taken with breakfast or lunch as taking it late in the day may cause trouble sleeping.
  • It can an make you dizzy or lightheaded, especially when you suddenly stand up from sitting or laying down. Thus get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
  • Avoid eating foods high in tyramine (eg. aged cheeses, air-dried meats, soy sauce, tap/draft beers and red wines) while taking Selegiline, since it can cause an unsafe rise in your blood pressure.
  • Don't stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor, since it can be dangerous.
  • Parkinson's disease can increase your risk for skin cancer. Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual growth or bumps on your skin.
  • Let your doctor know if you are also taking medicines for depression or mood disorders.

Frequently asked questions for Selegiline

Selegiline

Q. Is Selegiline safe?
Selegiline is safe if used at doses and for duration advised by your doctor
Q. Is Selegiline a stimulant?
Selegiline can stimulate the brain to cause mood changes, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, confusion, sleep disturbances etc
Q. Is Selegiline addictive?
Selegiline is not addictive
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Q. Is selegiline a dopamine agonist?
Selegiline is not a dopamine agonist. It enhances the action of dopamine (either natural dopamine or dopamine obtained from conversion of levodopa) in brain by preventing its breakdown
Q. Does Selegiline need to be tapered?
Selegiline needs to be tapered and should not be suddenly stopped as it may cause fever, sweating, stiff muscles, and loss of consciousness if abruptly discontinued
Q. Is Selegiline neuroprotective?
Selegiline is neuroprotective as it slows the progression of Parkinson's disease
Q. Does Selegiline cause weight loss/weight gain?
Selegiline causes weight loss.

Content on this page was last updated on 20 February, 2020, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)