Do you or someone in your family have Parkinson's disease? If so, your doctor may have prescribed a medication called `Safinamide`. When you hear about this medication, you may have many questions. "What will happen with this?", "What should I be careful about when using it?", "Are there any side effects?" Things like that may be on your mind. Don't worry, we'll talk about all of this simply and clearly.
What kind of medicine is Safinamide?
Simply put, `Safinamide` is a medication that is used to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called `monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).` Simply put, this medication works by balancing the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, helping to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as movement disorders and tremors. Doctors usually prescribe it in combination with other Parkinson's medications.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you start taking this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. If you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Disease or condition | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Eye diseases or vision impairment | This medicine can affect some eye diseases. |
| Liver disease | If the liver is weak, the elimination of the drug from the body may be delayed and side effects may increase. |
| High or low blood pressure | The medication can cause changes in blood pressure. |
| Mental illness | Some mental states may change due to this medication. |
| Sleep problems such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy | There is a risk of sudden drowsiness due to this medication. |
| Alcohol drinking habit | Combining alcohol and this medication may increase side effects. |
| If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the safety of this medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Ask your doctor if the medicine passes to your baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is important to know if you are allergic to safinamide or any of its ingredients. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to take the correct dosage at the correct time, just as your doctor tells you.
- Take this pill with a glass of water.
- You can take it with or without food, but it's best to take it at the same time each day.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day . This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
- Never stop taking your medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice. Doing so may worsen your symptoms.
What if the dosage of the medicine is increased? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other medications that cause problems with Safinamide
This is very important. Taking Safinamide with certain other medications can cause serious problems . Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, even vitamins).
Warning: If you are taking any of the following medications, it is strictly forbidden to take Safinamide. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
| Do NOT take with Safinamide | |
|---|---|
| Other MAOI medications (e.g. Azilect, Marplan, Nardil) | Dextromethorphan (contained in some cough syrups) |
| Certain antidepressants | Meperidine, Methadone, Tramadol (painkillers) |
| Cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxant) | St. John's Wort (herbal medicine) |
| Stimulant medications for conditions like ADHD | Atomoxetine, Viloxazine |
In addition, cough, cold, allergy medications, nasal sprays, alcohol, and sleep-inducing medications can also interact with Safinamide. Therefore , be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any new medication.
Things you should be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or from bed. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
- Sudden sleepiness: This is very important. Some people fall asleep suddenly without warning when taking this medicine. This can happen even while driving or talking. If this happens to you, tell your doctor immediately.
- Impulsive behavior: Rarely, some people may experience unusual impulses while taking this medicine. For example, you may have an uncontrollable urge to gamble, spend money excessively, or have sex or eat. If you or your family notice any of these changes in your behavior, tell your doctor.
- Dietary changes (foods containing Tyramine): This is also very important. When taking `Safinamide`, you should avoid eating foods that contain a chemical called Tyramine . If these two are combined, blood pressure can rise dangerously. We call this `hypertensive crisis`.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly. Consult your doctor about this.
- Safinamide is a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. Always use this exactly as your doctor tells you .
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
- Avoid foods high in tyramine (aged cheese, preserved meat) while taking the medication.
- The medicine may cause drowsiness or sudden sleepiness . Therefore, be very careful when driving or doing tasks that require attention.
- If serious side effects (allergies, high blood pressure, behavioral changes) occur, seek medical advice immediately .
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage for any reason without your doctor's advice.
Foods high in Tyramine to avoid: Aged cheese, cured meats (sausages, salami), smoked meats or fish, some fermented foods, and some alcoholic beverages (e.g., some beers, red wine). Ask your doctor for a complete list.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Safinamide can cause some side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| • Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. | • Symptoms of high blood pressure or low blood pressure (dizziness, fainting). |
| • Changes in vision, hallucinations. | • Uncontrollable movements of limbs such as arms, legs, face, and neck. |
| • Sudden falling asleep. | • Severe headache, blurred vision, chest pain, vomiting (symptoms of hypertensive crisis). |
| • Major changes in mental state or behavior, unusual impulses. | |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| • Nausea | • Upset stomach |
| • Trouble sleeping | |
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