Selegiline is a prescription medication that is used to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. It is prescribed in conjunction with levodopa or the combination of levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet). It helps extend and increase the effects of these medications on the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

It is important to note that selegiline is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease. It is prescribed along with other forms of medication to treat the symptoms of the disease, not the disease itself.

Selegiline is prescribed in conjunction with levodopa or the combination of levodopa and carbidopa. It amplifies and extends these drugs’ effects, which slows the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement. Symptoms develop slowly over time and vary from person to person. In the early stages of the disease, patients may experience the loss of facial expression, as well as changes in handwriting and speech. Later symptoms frequently include tremors, slowness of movement, limb stiffness, and balance problems.

By boosting the effect of levodopa on the nervous system, selegiline can help prevent Parkinson’s disease from worsening over time. It does not cure the disease, but it can make it more manageable. =

Selegiline belongs to a classification of medications known as monoamine oxidase B (MAO–B) inhibitors). These drugs help block the monoamine oxidase B enzyme, which breaks down dopamine in the brain. By blocking the MAO-B enzyme, these drugs allow dopamine’s effects to last longer in the brain.

Selegiline is prescribed with some form of levodopa treatment. Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine, the neurotransmitter that is involved in many cognitive and motor functions. Levodopa is converted into dopamine by enzymes in the brain. The increased levels of dopamine can help improve motor control and coordination, as well as reduce tremors and other symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is added to levodopa to reduce or eliminate adverse side effects like nausea

By extending and increasing the action of levodopa treatment, a MAO-B inhibitor like selegiline can stop the effects of dopamine from wearing off, while slowing the development of Parkinson’s over time.

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.

Selegiline is commonly supplied as oral capsules, tablets, or orally disintegrating tablets. The specific dosage and form of selegiline prescribed depends on the patient’s age and body weight. Your doctor may adjust your dosage as needed.

It is generally recommended that you take selegiline twice a day, with breakfast and lunch. Taking selegiline too late at night can affect your sleep.

If you have been supplied the capsules or tablets, swallow the medication whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the medication. If you’ve been given the orally disintegrating tablets, make sure your hands are dry before you handle the medication. Place the tablet on the top of your tongue and wait until it melts completely. Do not eat or drink anything 5 minutes before or after taking the orally disintegrating tablet.

Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children, and at room temperature. Avoid exposing the medication to excess heat or moisture.

Take this medication exactly as ordered. Do not increase or discontinue the dosage without consulting with your health care provider first.

If you begin to notice any adverse side effects like those listed above, notify your health care provider immediately.

Selegiline is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not selegiline is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for selegiline to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.