Rasagiline: What It Is and Why It Matters

When you hear Rasagiline, an oral tablet taken once daily for Parkinson’s disease. Also known as Azilect, it works by selectively blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase‑B (MAO‑B) to keep dopamine from breaking down in the brain. This simple action forms a core part of modern Parkinson’s care, and it also sparks interest for its possible neuroprotective benefits.

How Rasagiline Fits into the Parkinson’s Treatment Toolbox

Rasagiline belongs to the class of MAO‑B inhibitors, drugs that slow the breakdown of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that drives movement and coordination. By preserving dopamine, the drug helps smooth out tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement—key symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a progressive neuro‑degenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. The relationship can be summed up as: Rasagiline is a selective MAO‑B inhibitor, MAO‑B inhibition reduces dopamine breakdown, and more dopamine means better motor control for Parkinson’s patients. Many clinicians pair Rasagiline with levodopa/carbidopa, because the inhibitor extends levodopa’s effect, letting patients stay on lower levodopa doses and experience fewer motor fluctuations.

Another drug that often pops up in the same conversation is Selegiline, an older MAO‑B inhibitor that shares Rasagiline’s mechanism but differs in dosing and side‑effect profile. Selegiline helped pave the way for Rasagiline, showing that long‑term MAO‑B inhibition can be safe and effective. Both drugs illustrate the broader principle that MAO‑B inhibition supports dopamine availability, a cornerstone of symptom management in Parkinson’s disease.

Beyond dopamine, researchers are exploring whether Rasagiline’s impact on oxidative stress could shield neurons from gradual damage. This potential neuroprotection, the ability to slow disease progression rather than just treat symptoms. While the evidence is still evolving, the idea that a single pill might both improve daily function and delay decline fuels ongoing clinical trials.

When you add Rasagiline to a treatment plan, a few practical considerations matter. Typical dosing starts at 1 mg once daily, with some patients moving to 2 mg if tolerated. The drug is metabolized by the liver, so liver function tests are advisable before starting. Interaction risk is low for most drugs, but caution is needed with certain antidepressants—especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other serotonergic agents—because combining them could raise serotonin levels and cause syndrome.

Side‑effects are generally mild. The most common complaints are headache, joint pain, or occasional nausea. Rarely, patients experience insomnia or vivid dreams, which often lessen after a few weeks. Because the drug doesn’t cause the severe dietary restrictions seen with non‑selective MAO inhibitors, people can keep a normal diet without fearing hypertensive crises.

All of this context sets the stage for the collection of articles below. Whether you’re looking for dosing calculators, interaction checklists, or deeper dives into Rasagiline’s research, the posts on this page cover the full spectrum—from everyday safety tips to emerging science. Scroll down to find the specific insight you need and keep your Parkinson’s management informed and up‑to‑date.