Selegiline has been shown to cause mild side effects in some individuals. Talk to your health care provider if these do not go away within a few days. If you begin to experience more serious effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Common side effects reported from selegiline use include:
- Dry skin
- Itchy skin
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Gas
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Redness, irritation, or sores in the mouth (if taking orally disintegrating tablets)
Serious side effects include:
- Rash
- Hives
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Uncontrollable shaking (usually in the hands, feet, arms, legs, or lips)
- Body aches
- Back pain
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately. These are symptoms of a serious adverse reaction–or allergic reaction–to this medication and require treatment right away.
As with all medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with selegiline. Selegiline can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.
Specifically, you should inform your health care provider of any antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), cough or cold medication, or medications used for weight loss before you start taking selegiline. Be sure to mention any herbal products you are using.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
In addition, let your doctor know if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding before starting treatment with this medication.