Are you suffering from symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremors and stiffness? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Selegiline along with Levodopa. This is a medication that is often prescribed. So, in this article, we will talk about what Selegiline is, what it actually does, and what you should be especially careful about when using this medication.
What is Selegiline? What does it do?
Simply put, Selegiline is a medication that is used to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called MAOIs. Our brains contain a chemical called dopamine . This is what helps our body move and coordinate properly. In people with Parkinson's disease, the level of this dopamine in the brain decreases.
Selegiline works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. This can help reduce symptoms such as stiffness and tremors, allowing you to perform daily activities more easily.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing Selegiline to you. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
- If you have high blood pressure.
- If you have any liver disease.
- If you have low blood pressure.
- If you have narcolepsy, a condition that causes you to suddenly fall asleep during the day.
- If you have sleep apnea.
- If you have an allergy to selegiline or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This medicine should be taken by mouth with a glass of water. It is very important to take the medicine at the right time, in the right dosage, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase, decrease, or stop the dose at will.
Very important: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause a serious reaction. If you do stop, you should do so by gradually reducing the dose as your doctor tells you.
What to do if you overdose on medication?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. 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 forget to take my medicine?
If you forget to take a dose and remember shortly after, 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 a double dose.
Things not to use with Selegiline (Interactions)
This is something to be very careful about. Selegiline is a drug that can interact with other medications and foods.
Problems with medications
If you are using the following medications, do not take Selegiline at all .
- Atomoxetine, Cyclobenzaprine, Dextromethorphan (contained in some cough syrups)
- Other MAOI medications like Marplan, Nardil, Parnate
- Painkillers like Meperidine, Methadone, Tramadol
- Other medicines containing Selegiline, like Emsam
- Rasagiline, Safinamide (also a medicine for Parkinson's disease)
- Stimulant medications for attention problems
- St. John's Wort (herbal product)
- Viloxazine
In addition, medications for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, some decongestants (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine), and weight loss medications can also interact with this.
Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal products, and painkillers) .
Problems with food (Tyramine Interaction)
This is the most important thing to pay attention to when taking this medication. It is not a good idea to eat foods that are high in the ingredient tyramine while taking Selegiline. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to suddenly rise sharply, cause severe headaches, and cause irregular heartbeats.
| Foods to avoid when taking Selegiline due to their high Tyramine content | |
|---|---|
| Food type | Examples |
| Aged Cheeses | Cheeses like Cheddar, Blue cheese, Gorgonzola, and Parmesan. |
| Processed and smoked meat/fish | Sausages, salami, pepperoni, dried fish, jalapenos. |
| Alcoholic beverages | Beer (especially draft beer), red wine, sherry. |
| Soy products | Soy sauce, miso soup, tofu. |
| Other | Avocados, bananas, raisins, well-ripened fruits. |
Ask your doctor for a complete list of these.
Things you should be extra careful about when taking the 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. Be careful when getting up from a sitting or standing position suddenly.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol. It can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
- Dry mouth: If you have a dry mouth, you can get relief by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
- Other illnesses: Ask your doctor before taking self-medication for things like coughs, colds, and fevers.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. So talk to your doctor before changing your diabetes medication dosage or diet.
- Skin changes: Be aware of any changes in your skin or the appearance of new spots while taking this medicine. Check your skin regularly. If you notice any such changes, tell your doctor immediately.
Side effects that may occur with this medicine
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Severely elevated blood pressure | Sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and rapid heartbeat. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, increased depression. |
| Uncontrollable movements | New or increased uncontrolled movements of the face, mouth, or upper body. |
| Other serious symptoms | Unusual impulsive behaviors such as falling asleep suddenly while performing daily tasks, dizziness and blurred vision, low blood pressure, gambling, and overeating. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
Take-Home Message
- Selegiline is a medication that helps control Parkinson's symptoms and increases dopamine levels in the brain.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Completely avoid foods high in tyramine (such as preserved cheese, processed meats, and red wine) while taking this medication.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as severe headache, sudden increase in blood pressure, or mental changes, seek medical advice immediately.
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