$Unique_ID{BRK03327}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{selegiline}
$Subject{Eldepryl Somerset Antiparkinson agent selegiline levodopa
levodopa/carbidopa Parkinson disease increase extend effects depression}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


selegiline
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Eldepryl (Somerset)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antiparkinson agent

INGREDIENT

     selegiline

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (5 mg)

STORAGE

     Selegilene should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     This medication is used either alone or in combination with levodopa or
levodopa/carbidopa to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.  This drug
helps to increase and extend the beneficial effects of levodopa.  Recent
studies suggest that selegiline may help to slow the progression of
Parkinson's disease when taken early in the course of the disease.  This drug
has also been used to treat depression.

TREATMENT

     This drug should be taken exactly as your doctor prescribes.  You can
take it with food to lessen the chance of irritation, unless your doctor tells
you otherwise.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, then return to your regular dosing schedule.  However, if you do not
remember the missed dose until late afternoon or evening, skip the missed
dose.  If the drug is taken late in the afternoon, it may cause some unwanted
side effects.  Never double the dose.
     The full effects of this medication may not be apparent for two to three
days.  At that time, your doctor may change your dose of levodopa or levodopa/
carbidopa.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Dizziness, drowsiness, dryness of mouth, headache, heartburn,
light-headedness, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, stomach pain, trouble
sleeping, or vomiting.  These side effects should lessen or disappear as your
body adjusts to the medication.
     Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice
chips or a piece of hard candy.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blood in your urine; chest pain; convulsions; dark or tarry stools; difficulty
in breathing; difficulty in speaking; difficulty in urination; fast heartbeat;
feelings of euphoria; hallucinations; mood changes; persistent restlessness;
severe stomach pain; stiff neck; or uncontrolled movements of your arms, legs,
or face.

INTERACTIONS

     When taken in the recommended dose at the times directed by your doctor,
selegiline should not interact with many types of medications or foods.
     Tell your doctor if you have taken the drug meperidine in the two to
three weeks before starting selegiline therapy.
     Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications, including
over-the-counter products, you are currently taking.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor if you have had unusual or allergic reactions to any
medications, especially to selegiline or to any monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitors (such as tranylcypromine, phenelzine, and isocarboxazid).
     * Tell your doctor if you have a history of stomach problems, intestinal
problems, asthma, high blood pressure, or seizure disorders.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, tell
your doctor or dentist you are taking this drug.
     * Your doctor may give you a list of foods that you should either avoid
or limit in your diet.  These foods or beverages may include those containing
caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate) or those containing a substance
called tyramine (found in certain cheeses and meats).
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This drug has not
caused adverse effects to the fetuses in animal studies, and problems in
humans have not been reported.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.