Eldepryl (Selegiline)

Do’s

• Take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This includes dosage, frequency (usually twice daily with breakfast and lunch), and whether to take it with or without food.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. This might involve adjusting your levodopa dose after starting Eldepryl.
• Be patient. It can take a few weeks to experience the full benefits of Eldepryl.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or the medication seems to stop working effectively.
• Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Eldepryl can interact with some medications.

Don'ts

• Don't change your dose or stop taking Eldepryl without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't take Eldepryl late in the day. It may disrupt your sleep.
• Don't consume foods high in tyramine while taking Eldepryl. These foods can interact with the medication and cause dangerous side effects. Your healthcare provider will provide a list of foods to avoid.
• Don't operate machinery or drive if Eldepryl causes dizziness or other side effects that could impair your judgment.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Nausea, stomach pain, constipation
• Skin rash or other irritation
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Vertigo
• Chills, generalized ache, falling down, freezing, heavy leg, increased energy, malaise, tinnitus, tiredness, weakness
• Pain, headache, runny nose, involuntary movement, back pain, mouth inflammation, upset stomach

Serious Side Effects:

• Worsening side effects of other medications
• High levels of serotonin in the body when taken with an antidepressant, which may lead to agitation, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting
• Dangerously high blood pressure, which may cause severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in the neck or ears, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, pounding heartbeats, or seizure (convulsions)
• Increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges
• Severe toxicity when combined with certain other medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which may lead to severe agitation, hallucinations, and death
• Urinary retention, particularly in elderly patients

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Eldepryl,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to selegiline or any ingredients in Eldepryl.

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before using Eldepryl, especially regarding:

• Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor)
• Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
• Heart problems (heart failure, heart attack)
• Bleeding problems
• Severe/frequent headaches
• Peptic ulcer
• Diabetes
• Mental/mood disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

Eldepryl may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid activities requiring alertness (driving, operating machinery) until you feel normal again.

Alcohol and marijuana can worsen dizziness and drowsiness. Limit alcohol and discuss marijuana use with your healthcare provider.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Eldepryl, before surgery. You may need to stop taking it beforehand.

Eldepryl should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Eldepryl may pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Eldepryl and for 7 days after the last dose. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Eldepryl may interact with other medications. Provide your healthcare provider with a list of all medications you take to avoid potential interactions. Never adjust medication dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.