Selegiline, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: anti-Parkinson's

Generic and brand names: selegiline, oral; Carbex; Eldepryl

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to increase the effectiveness of levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease
• a stomach ulcer.

Tell your health care provider if you are currently taking any antidepressants or painkillers.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, stop taking it and contact your health care provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without discussing with your health care provider.

How do I take it?

Important: Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Taking too much can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually to keep Parkinson's symptoms from returning.

Your health care provider may reduce the amount of Sinemet you are taking when you start taking this medicine. Check with your health care provider.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Your health care provider will want to see you regularly to check on your progress and dosage.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the health care provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may affect your ability to perform potentially dangerous tasks. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Chest pain, enlarged pupils, fast or slow heartbeat, severe headache, increased sensitivity to light, increased sweating (possibly with fever or cold, clammy skin), severe nausea and vomiting, stiff or sore neck.

Other: Increase in unusual movements of body, mood changes, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, heart palpitations, trouble urinating.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and isocarboxazid (Marplan) (Do not take an MAO inhibitor and this medicine within 14 days of each other.)
• meperidine (Demerol)
• SSRI antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft)
• tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), and maprotiline (Ludiomil).

Many foods and beverages contain chemicals that may cause your blood pressure to become too high when combined with this medicine. While you are taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after you stop taking it, do not eat or drink any of the following: anchovies, caviar, beef or chicken livers, wild game meat, miso soup, soy sauce, sauerkraut, yeast extracts, raspberries, figs (canned, overripe), shrimp paste, bananas, dried fruit such as raisins and prunes, avocados (especially overripe), most types of strong cheeses and yogurt, broad beans (fava, especially if overripe), ginseng herb, caffeine (including that in coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate), beer (some nonalcoholic), red wine (especially Chianti), sherry, distilled spirits, liqueurs, meat extracts, or meat or fish (including dried fish, sausage, bologna, pepperoni, and salami) that is fermented, spoiled, unrefrigerated, smoked, prepared with tenderizers, or pickled.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.