If you or someone in your family has Parkinson's disease, your doctor may have prescribed a new type of medication for you. It's called selegiline, a tablet that dissolves on the tongue. It's a little different than the tablets you usually swallow with water. So today, let's talk about what exactly this medication is, how to use it, and what special precautions you need to take when taking it.
What is this medicine called Selegiline?
Simply put, Selegiline is a medication that is used to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It is often prescribed to people who are taking Levodopa. Parkinson's disease occurs when there is a decrease in the chemical dopamine in our brain. This dopamine helps control our body's movements and coordination. So, what this Selegiline pill does is increase the level of dopamine in the brain. Then, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as stiffness and tremors gradually decrease. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called MAOIs.
Things to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before giving you Selegiline, your doctor will ask you some questions. If you have any of the conditions below, you should definitely tell your doctor .
- If you have high blood pressure.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have low blood pressure.
- If you have narcolepsy (a condition that causes uncontrollable daytime sleepiness).
- If you have a genetic condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU).
- 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 pill?
The way this is used is a little different, so pay close attention.
1. Take it in the morning: This medicine is usually taken in the morning. Take it at the right time as prescribed by your doctor.
2. How to remove the tablet: Do not pull the tablet out by pressing on the aluminum foil on the tablet. Doing so may cause the tablet to crumble. Instead, gently pull the foil from a corner and carefully remove the tablet with dry hands .
3. Keep it on your tongue: As soon as you take the pill, keep it on your tongue. It will dissolve on its own in a few seconds. Do not swallow it with water.
4. Wait 5 minutes before eating: After the tablet dissolves, do not eat or drink anything for about 5 minutes .
5. Take it on time: Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
6. Do not stop suddenly: Avoid stopping this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
Most importantly: This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) at the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Selegiline is a medication that can interact with other medications and foods. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor if you are taking other medications.
| Do not take Selegiline with this medicine at all! | |
|---|---|
| Atomoxetine | Painkillers like Meperidine, Methadone, Tramadol |
| Cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxant) | Rasagiline, Safinamide (other medications for Parkinson's disease) |
| Dextromethorphan (contained in some cough syrups) | Stimulant drugs for attention deficit disorder |
| Other MAOIs such as Marplan, Nardil, Parnate | St. John's Wort (herbal medicine) |
| Viloxazine | Other medications containing Selegiline, such as Emsam or Eldepryl |
| Selegiline can also interact with these things, so be careful. | |
|---|---|
| Some medications for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety | Medicines such as Phenylephrine and Pseudoephedrine for nasal congestion |
| Medicines such as Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, which are used for epilepsy (fits) | Metoclopramide (an anti-vomiting medicine) |
| Ephedrine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine | Antibiotics such as Rifampin and Nafcillin |
| Some strong painkillers | Some stimulants taken to lose weight or stay awake |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Also tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking the medicine
Special attention to foods containing Tyramine
This is very important. If you take Selegiline and eat foods high in tyramine, you may experience a sudden increase in blood pressure, severe headaches, and irregular heartbeat. Therefore, avoid or limit the following foods:
- Preserved cheeses
- Preserved, smoked, pickled meat and fish (e.g. sausages, salami)
- Beer and Ale Types
- Wine (especially red wine)
- Avocado, banana, fig, raisins
- Soy sauce, miso soup
- Very ripe fruit
Ask your doctor for a complete list of these.
Other important points
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up suddenly. This can reduce the risk of fainting and falling, especially if you are elderly.
- Falling asleep suddenly: Some people may suddenly fall asleep without warning while taking this medicine. This can happen while driving or talking. If this happens to you, tell your doctor right away.
- Unusual urges: While taking this medicine, some people may have strong urges to gamble, have sex, eat excessively, or spend money in ways they would not normally do. If you experience any of these unusual behaviors, don't be embarrassed and tell your doctor.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is common. You can control this by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
- Cough, cold: Do not take your own medicine for cough, cold, or allergies without consulting your doctor.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| High blood pressure | Sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Anxiety, restlessness, agitation, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, depression. |
| Uncontrollable movements | New or increasing uncontrollable movements of the face, mouth, or upper body. |
| Other | Falling asleep while working during the day, experiencing unusual urges. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Dry mouth |
| Headache, nausea | Insomnia |
| Pain or soreness where the pill was placed (in the mouth) | |
Take-Home Message
- Selegiline is a tablet that dissolves under the tongue. Do not swallow it with water. Do not eat or drink anything for 5 minutes after the tablet has dissolved.
- You may have a severe reaction to foods containing Tyramine (aged cheese, meat, wine) while taking this medication. Therefore, avoid such foods.
- This medicine can cause sudden drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, be very careful when driving or doing tasks that require concentration.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as unusual behavior (such as gambling), severe headaches, or mental changes, tell your doctor right away.
- It is very important to inform your doctor about every medication you take and every medical condition you have.
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