Selegiline is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Selegiline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different preparations of this medicine may be taken differently. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet or capsule and as an orally disintegrating tablet.
If you are taking the conventional tablet or capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the orally disintegrating tablet, follow these steps:
- Remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Do not leave the orally disintegrating tablet exposed to air. Do not push the tablet through the foil as it is fragile and easily broken.
- Remove the orally disintegrating tablet with dry hands by peeling the backing off the foil and tipping the tablet onto your dry hands.
- Place the orally disintegrating tablet directly on your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the foil. The tablet will immediately start to melt on the tongue.
Do not cut, break, or crush the orally disintegrating tablet.
Avoid drinking liquids or eating food for 5 minutes before or after taking the orally disintegrating tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Selegiline must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have active ulcers or open sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine as Selegiline may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Selegiline with medicines used to treat depression, cough, and muscle spasms, strong painkillers, certain antibiotic and herbal medicine. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- severe chest pain
- mental illness
- history of peptic ulcers (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- low volume of circulating fluids in the body
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going to have an operation or certain laboratory tests (e.g. urine test), inform your doctor that you are taking Selegiline.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may rise or fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of mood changes or unusual behaviour may also be needed.
Selegiline may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, mouth sores, dizziness with sensations of spinning, tiredness, back pain, muscle cramps, joint pain, and excessive sweating.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, blurred vision or changes in vision
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- uncontrollable involuntary movements such as twitching and jerking
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Selegiline with the following medicines:
- medicines to treat depression e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, amitriptyline, venlafaxine, fluoxetine
- strong painkillers e.g. pethidine
- dextromethorphan (medicine used to relieve cough)
- cyclobenzaprine (medicine used to relieve muscle spasms)
- linezolid (antibiotic)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain medicines for mood disorders
- birth control pills
- amantadine (medicine to treat viral infection and Parkinson's disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Selegiline.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and other drinks that contain tyramine such as red wine and beer.
Avoid foods that are rich in tyramine, such as cheese, sausages, soya beans, fava beans, broad beans, and pickled foods like sauerkraut. Ask your doctor or dietitian about the types of food you should avoid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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