Generic Eldepryl, capsules

Chemical Name: SELEGILINE

Common uses

This medicine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used to treat parkinson's disease.

Before using

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking apraclonidine, brimonidine, bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, entacapone, herbal products (e.g., ma huang), indoramin, meperidine, papaverine, sibutramine, SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram), sympathomimetics (e.g., methylphenidate, ephedrine), tolcapone, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), or "triptans" (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan). Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking insulin or medicine for diabetes. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

This medicine may cause dizziness. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand slowly. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Most people who take this medicine can eat a normal diet. However, if your dose is more than 10 mg/day, serious increases in blood pressure may occur when you eat or drink some foods and drinks. Foods or drinks which may cause a reaction include aged cheeses, sour cream, red wines, beer, bologna, pepperoni, salami, summer sausage, pickled herring, liver, meat prepared with tenderizers, canned figs, raisins, bananas, avocados, soy sauce, fava beans, or yeast extracts. Obtain a complete list of foods and drinks from your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, or dextromethorphan. Follow all of these cautions for at least 4 weeks after taking the last dose of this medicine.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or dry mouth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience a severe headache, fainting, heart palpitations or changes in heart rate, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, or behavior or mood changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may be absent for up to 12 hours and may include excitement, irritability, restlessness, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, flushing, sweating, fast heartbeat, headache, confusion, and seizures.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.