A new band-aid for your sadness? Let's learn about Selegiline Patches!

Living with depression, a condition called depression, can be very difficult at times, isn't it? When you feel like you're bored with life and have no interest in anything, you may have thought, "Is there no solution to this?" Selegiline Patches are one of the treatments that can help you at such times. Let's talk about this in more detail today, just like talking to a friend.

What kind of medicine is this? Selegiline is...

Simply put, Selegiline is a medication used to treat depression. It comes in the form of a patch that you apply to the skin. You may have seen it under the brand name `EMSAM`.

This medicine belongs to the group of medicines called `MAOI` (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors). Think about it, there are various chemicals in our brain that help control our mood and emotions. One such chemical is dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that is involved in things like happiness, well-being, and attention in our minds. What this Selegiline medicine does is help keep the dopamine levels in the brain balanced. Then, some of the discomfort caused by depression can be reduced.

Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication for other conditions, so if you have any further questions about this, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I tell the doctor before using this medicine?

Before you start using Selegiline Patches, there are a few things you should definitely tell your doctor. Because not all medications are the same for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions, let your doctor know:

• Bipolar disorder: If you have bipolar disorder.
• High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, that is, if your blood pressure is high.
• Alcohol use: If you are a regular drinker.
• Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
• Pheochromocytoma: This is a tumor that forms in the adrenal glands. If you have this condition.
• Skin conditions or sensitivity: If you have any skin condition or your skin is very sensitive.
• Suicidal thoughts: If you have had suicidal thoughts or plans, have attempted suicide, or if someone in your family has done so. This is very important.
• Allergies: If you have an allergy to selegiline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.

By telling your doctor about these things, he or she can give you precise advice on whether this medication is right for you or not, and how to use it safely.

How exactly do I use this patch?

This medicine is for external use only, so follow the instructions on the prescription label given to you by your doctor.

Here's how to use the patch simply:

1. Removing the patch: Remove the patch by tearing the small pouch containing the patch using the notches on the sides. Do not use scissors.

2. Application site: The patch should be applied to a clean, dry, and smooth area of ​​skin . Typically, the upper back, upper chest, upper thighs, or the back of the upper arms are suitable areas for this.

3. Incompatible areas: Do not apply the patch to areas with wounds, irritated skin, scars, or calloused skin.

4. Only use one patch at a time: Do not use more than one patch at a time.

5. Do not cut: Do not cut or divide the patch.

6. Good adhesion: Check that the patch is firmly and flatly attached to the skin. Especially the edges should be perfectly attached.

7. Removing the old one: Before applying a new patch, be sure to remove the old patch.

8. Changing the location: Each time you apply a new patch, do not stick it in the same place as the previous one, but stick it in a different place, such as the upper back, upper chest, upper thigh, or the back of the upper arm. Do not stick it in the same place repeatedly.

9. Do not use more than the doctor has prescribed, nor do you stop taking it before the prescribed time. If you do stop , do so only as directed by your doctor.

When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will also receive a special instruction leaflet (`MedGuide`). Read this leaflet carefully every time you get the medicine, and every time you get a refill. It is very important.

Is this medicine suitable for children?

This medicine is not approved for use in children. Especially do not give it to children under 12 years of age. If your child needs this type of treatment, talk to a pediatrician about it.

What happens if you take too much? (`Overdosage`)

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, or if someone has taken it by mistake, call a poison control center or the nearest emergency room immediately.

This medicine is just for you!

This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Therefore, do not share it with others.

What do you do if you miss your medication appointment?

If you miss your scheduled patch, apply it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next patch, do not apply a new one. Apply only the next patch at the scheduled time. Never apply two patches at the same time or take an extra dose.

What other interactions may occur with this medicine?

This is a very important point. Selegiline is a drug that can interact with other medications and certain foods. So you need to be very careful about this.

Selegiline should never be used with the following medications:

• Atomoxetine
• Carbamazepine
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Dextromethorphan - may be present in some cough syrups.
• Other MAOI medications: Examples include Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate.
• Some pain relievers include: meperidine, tramadol, methadone, and pentazocine.
• There are many other medications for depression.
• Other medicines containing selegiline: For example, medicines called `Eldepryl` and `Zelapar`.
• Rasagiline
• Safinamide
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders.
• St. John's Wort - This is an herbal remedy used by some people.
• Viloxazine

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Buspirone
• Ephedrine
• Epinephrine or racepinephrine
• Decongestants: such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine.
• Norepinephrine
• Stimulant medications used to lose weight or stay awake.

This list is not all-inclusive. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, dietary supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of these things can interact with your medicine.

What are the things to be careful about when using this medicine?

It is very important to talk to your doctor about your health and have regular check-ups while taking this medicine. If your symptoms do not improve or seem to get worse, tell your doctor.

It may take several weeks to see the full effect of this medicine. Therefore, it is important to continue taking the medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without medical advice. Doing so may cause a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take.

Be on the lookout for suicidal thoughts!

Patients and their families should be alert for new or worsening suicidal thoughts or depression. Also, be alert for sudden changes in mood - for example, feeling very restless, agitated, irritable, easily angered, aggressive, very restless, overly excited, or having trouble sleeping - and talk to your doctor right away if this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after changing your dose.

Be careful with foods containing tyramine!

If your doctor increases the dose of this medication to more than 6 milligrams (6 mg) per day, you should also be aware of foods that contain a chemical called tyramine. This medication can react with such foods and cause severe headaches, a sudden increase in blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat .

Even after your doctor reduces your dose back to 6 milligrams (`6 mg`) per day, or after you stop taking the 9 or 12 milligrams (`12 mg`) per day dose, you should avoid foods and drinks high in tyramine for two weeks . However, if you start and continue taking the 6 mg dose, you may not need to make any major changes to your diet. (You can ask your doctor or a nutritionist for more information about this.)

Other things to consider:

• Drowsiness/Dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires concentration until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up suddenly, especially if you are elderly. Doing so can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication, so avoid drinking alcohol.
• Dry mouth: Your mouth may feel dry. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on unsweetened toffee, and drinking plenty of water can help relieve this. If this problem persists or becomes severe, talk to your doctor.
• Other medications:Do not take any medicine for coughs, colds, or allergies without consulting your doctor. Also, do not take any weight loss medicine without medical advice. The ingredients in some of these medicines can increase side effects.
• Diabetes: This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus), talk to your doctor before changing your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Surgery: If you are having any medical or dental procedures, tell the medical team that you are taking this medicine, as it may interact with other medications used during surgery.
• The patch and body temperature: This patch is sensitive to some changes in body temperature. This means that if your skin gets too hot, the patch may absorb more of the medicine into your skin. Therefore, if you develop a fever, talk to your doctor. Also, avoid bathing in very hot water, sunbathing, using hot tubs, saunas, heating your skin with hairdryers, using heating pads, electric blankets, heated waterbeds, and tanning lamps. Also, reduce exercise that increases your body temperature during this time. This is especially important with the heat in our country.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like all medications, this one can cause some side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor immediately:

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe increase in blood pressure: sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, worsening mood, or feelings of increased depression.

Side effects that do not usually require medical advice, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Discomfort such as redness and itching at the site where the patch was applied (Irritation at application site)
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not include all side effects. If you experience any other side effects, talk to your doctor about them. You can also report side effects to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

How do you store this medicine?

• This medicineKeep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius / 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Keep this medicine in its protective pouch until ready to use.
• Do not use expired medications, throw them away.

How do you dispose of unused, expired medicine?

• Take this medication to a place that has a medication take-back program. You can find out about such places from your pharmacy or the police.
• If there is no way to return it, ask your pharmacist or doctor how to safely dispose of this medicine.

After removing a used patch, fold the sticky sides together, place it in an empty packet, and immediately throw it in a trash can with a lid. This will keep children and animals out of the way. Then wash your hands thoroughly.

Take-Home Message:

Okay, so we've talked a lot about Selegiline Patches, haven't we? This is a patch that is applied to the skin and is used as a treatment for depression.

• Follow your doctor's instructions exactly: Use the prescribed dosage for the prescribed period of time, as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it suddenly.
• Tell your doctor about your health conditions: Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses, medications you take, and allergies you have.
• Be aware of side effects: Be especially aware of serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and high blood pressure. If you experience any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
• Food and other medications: Some foods (containing `Tyramine`) and other medications may interact with this patch, so be aware of that as well.
• Apply and store the patch correctly: Be careful about how you apply the patch, how you remove the old one, and how you change the place where you apply the new one. Also, don't forget to store the medicine properly.

Remember, this article is for general information only. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, please discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. We wish you a speedy recovery!

` Selegaline, depression, MAOI, dopamine, patch, mental health, side effects