Type of medicine: anti-Parkinson's; MAO inhibitor
Generic and brand names: selegiline, oral; Eldepryl; Zelapar
This medicine is taken by mouth to increase the effectiveness of levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider about all other medicines you are taking, especially painkillers or antidepressants. You may need to wait at least 14 days between using an MAO inhibitor and any other medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without discussing with your healthcare provider.
Important: Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Taking too much can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually to keep Parkinson's symptoms from returning.
This medicine comes in the form of tablets or capsules that you can swallow or as tablets that melt on your tongue. If you have the tablets or capsules that you swallow whole, you may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.
If you have the tablets that melt on your tongue, do not open the blister pack until you are ready to take the tablet. With dry hands, peel open the blister pack and place the tablet on your tongue. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Do not eat or drink for 5 minutes before and after taking this medicine.
Your healthcare provider may reduce the amount of Sinemet you are taking when you start taking this medicine. Check with your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: muscle twitching, fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures.
This medicine may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. Talk with your provider about this. Contact your provider right away if you or your family notice any disturbing changes in your thoughts or behavior, such as:
Get medical care right away if you have heavy sweating, severe chest pain, severe headache, faster or slower heartbeat, large pupils, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, or any other serious side effects.
Using this medicine for a long time may cause muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movements. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly to check on your progress and dosage.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may cause drowsiness and confusion. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not take other medicines without your healthcare provider's approval.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects from this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain, hallucinations, bloody or tarry stools, trouble urinating, enlarged pupils, fast or slow heartbeat, severe headache, increased sensitivity to light, increased sweating (possibly with fever or cold, clammy skin), severe nausea and vomiting, stiff or sore neck.
Other: Increase in unusual movements of body, mood changes, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, trouble sleeping, back pain, pounding heartbeat, dry mouth, stomach cramps.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
