What is Eldepryl used for?
SELEGILINE is an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It is used with levodopa-carbidopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is usually added to the therapy when there is a decrease in response to levodopa.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Eldepryl?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
- kidney diseases
- liver diseases
- an unusual or allergic reaction to selegiline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Eldepryl should be taken?
Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. Your doses should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. You should never stop taking this medicine prematurely unless your doctor specifically advised you to do so.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Eldepryl?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Eldepryl with the other medicine/food/etc?
This medicine should never be taken with any of the following drugs:
- altretamine
- atomoxetine
- caffeine
- carbamazepine
- cocaine
- dextromethorphan
- diphenoxylate
- ephedrine
- herbal medicines like ginseng, green tea, guarana, SAM-e, and St. John's Wort
- isoniazid
- linezolid
- local anesthetics
- medicines for mental depression
- medicines for migraine headaches
- meperidine
- procarbazine
- pseudoephedrine
- stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate
- tramadol
- tryptophan
It may also trigger possible interactions with the following:
- medicines for high blood pressure
- prescription pain medicines
This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Eldepryl?
Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. It can take up to 4 weeks to see the full effects of this medicine. Do not stop taking your medicine suddenly. This may make your condition worse or cause the withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice about how to gradually reduce your dosage. Even after you stop taking this medicine the effects can last for at least two weeks.
Patients and their families should be keeping paying attention to the depression or suicidal thoughts that get worse. You should also keep an eye on the sudden or severe feeling changes such as anxiety, agitation, feeling panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or having trouble sleeping. If this is happening, especially during the beginning of the treatment course or after a dosage change, inform your health care professional right away.
If your doctor or health care professional increases the dose of this medicine to more than 10 mg per day, ask him/her about the possible interactions with food that contains tyramine. At higher dosages, this medicine may interact with such food to produce severe headaches, a rise in blood pressure, or irregular heart beat.
You may get drowsy, dizzy or have blurred vision. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine.
You might experience dry mouth symptom. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking a sugar candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, flu or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Do not take any medications for weight loss without advice either. Some ingredients in these products may increase possible side effects.
This medicine may affect the blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Tell your health care professional that you are taking this medicine if you are scheduled to have any surgery, procedure or medical testing.
Does Eldepryl have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- angry, excitable, panic attack, mania, restless
- issues with breathing
- chest pains
- difficulty passing urine
- eyes more sensitive to light, enlarged pupils
- feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
- fever, clammy skin, increased sweating, sore throat
- high blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- muscle or neck stiffness or spasm
- seizures
- suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
- trouble sleeping
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
The below side effects usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- change in sex drive or performance
- constipation or diarrhea
- increased appetite or weight increase
- increased sensitivity to sunlight
- muscle aches or pains, trembling
- nausea or vomiting
- swelling of the feet or legs
- tiredness or weakness
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I keep Eldepryl?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.