Eldepryl

(Selegiline Hydrochloride)

The active ingredient in Eldepryl is selegiline hydrochloride, which is an MAO-B inhibitor. MAO-B is the primary protein that degrades the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Low dopamine levels cause symptoms such as movement (motor) issues in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Selegiline prolongs the presence of dopamine in the brain by inhibiting the MAO-B enzyme. This helps to control PD's motor symptoms when carbidopa/levodopa wears off (also known as an "off" episode).

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Eldepryl. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Eldepryl:

• Eldepryl pills are typically taken twice per day, at breakfast and lunch. Follow your doctor's directions.
• Avoid foods that are high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, air-dried meats, aged or fermented meats, sausage or salami, pickled herring, tap beer, over-the-counter supplements or cough and cold medicines that contain tyramine, sauerkraut, soy sauce, soy beans, tofu, and yeast extract.
• Eating tyramine while you are using Eldepryl can increase your blood pressure to dangerous levels and cause life-threatening symptoms of a hypertensive crisis.

The most common side effects of selegiline include:

• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Stomach pain.
• Blurred vision.
• Drowsiness.
• Constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Confusion.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Eldepryl. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Extreme sleepiness or falling asleep unexpectedly.
• Seizures, chest discomfort, severe headache, chest pain, confusion, blurred vision, anxiety, and difficulty breathing can all be symptoms of extremely high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Serotonin syndrome symptoms include hallucinations, seizures, confusion, restlessness, shivering, sweating, a high fever, headache, racing heart, muscle stiffness or twitching, and tremor.
• Increased risk of impulse-control behaviors. This includes intense desires (for example, gambling, shopping, binge eating, or engaging in sexual urges).
• Dyskinesia (abnormal muscle movements).
• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as swelling, skin rash, or hives.
• Low blood pressure leading to a feeling of lightheadedness, particularly when standing up (orthostatic hypotension).
• Hallucinations and mood changes.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Eldepryl. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Eldepryl, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease.
• High or low blood pressure.
• People with Parkinson's disease may be more likely to get skin cancer (melanoma). Speak with your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to look for.
• History of mental health problems (e.g., psychosis).
• If you have taken an opioid, another MAO inhibitor, or other drugs in the MAO class within the past 14 days.

• Other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), linezolid (Zyvox), or opioids have been taken in the last 14 days, or will be taken in the next 14 days.
• Take St. John's Wort or cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).
• Take Delsym or other dextromethorphan-containing medicines.

According to studies, people taking selegiline for the treatment of Parkinson's disease usually see results within a few weeks after commencing medication. However, it may take several months to get the full benefits of the medicine.

When Eldepryl is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cough medication containing dextromethorphan.
• Amphetamine.
• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).
• Meperidine (Demerol) or another narcotic (opioid) pain reliever.
• Methadone.
• St. John’s wort.
• Tramadol (Ultram or Ultracet).
• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or other antidepressants include citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, fluoxetine, amitriptyline, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, levomilnacipran, sertraline, milnacipran, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, venlafaxine, vilazodone, vortioxetine, and others.
• MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

The recommended dose of Eldepryl is a 5 mg tablet taken orally at breakfast and at lunch. After 2 to 3 days, your doctor may reduce the dose of your carbidopa/levodopa prescription, depending on how effectively selegiline manages your Parkinson's disease symptoms.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Orion Pharma is the company that manufactures Eldepryl.

There are several lower-cost generic-name versions available.

Do not discontinue taking Eldepryl unless instructed to do so by your doctor. If you have any more questions about the usage of this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

It is not known if Eldepryl is safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if Eldepryl is safe to use while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.