General Information and Indications:
Selegiline is used to treat the symptoms
of Parkinson's disease. You may take it in combination with another
medication.
Information For Users:
Selegiline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It
is usually taken twice a day. Selegiline may be taken for a long time to
treat Parkinson's disease. Follow the directions on your prescription label,
ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take selegiline
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your health care provider.
Do not discontinue taking selegiline suddenly without talking with your
doctor. Sudden stoppage can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return.
Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to selegiline, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed
foods and drugs), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine
(Demerol), and vitamins.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding blood vessel, heart, kidney,
liver, or lung disease; glaucoma; skin cancer; hormone problems; asthma;
emphysema; mental illness; diabetes; ulcers; heart attacks; irregular
heartbeat; or seizures.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking selegiline, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking selegiline.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
o plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear
protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Selegiline may make your
skin sensitive to sunlight.
Do not eat the following foods while taking selegiline and for 2 weeks after
you stop taking it: pickled herring, liver, dried sausage, salami, meats
prepared with tenderizer, sauerkraut, fish, poultry, yogurt, sour cream,
aged cheeses (except cream or cottage cheese), beer, red wine, sherry,
avocados, bananas, figs, raisins, broad beans, yeast extract, and soy sauce.
Do not consume large amounts of chocolate, coffee, tea, or colas that
contain caffeine.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Side effects from selegiline are common. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o dizziness
o dry mouth
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o loss of appetite (anorexia)
o heartburn
o constipation
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o severe headache
o chest pain
o fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
o tremors
o confusion
o involuntary movements of hands or face
o nightmares
o difficulty breathing
o difficulty in urination
Brand Name(s):
o Atapryl®
o Carbex®
o Eldepryl®
o Selpak® |
