Selegiline for Parkinson's disease

About selegiline

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease - tremor, stiffness and slow movement - are due to there being less of a chemical called dopamine in your brain. Selegiline works by increasing the effect of dopamine in the brain, and this helps to ease these typical symptoms.

You may be prescribed selegiline as a treatment on its own, or alongside other medicines for Parkinson's disease which contain a medicine called levodopa. When it is prescribed with other medicines, selegiline helps to prevent some of the problems which can occur with these other treatments. These problems may be referred to as 'end-of-dose' fluctuations, or 'on-off' symptoms.

Before taking selegiline

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking selegiline it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have a stomach or duodenal ulcer.

• If you have high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or angina pain.

• If you have had a mental health problem (in particular, psychosis).

• If you have a problem with the way your liver works, or with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take selegiline

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about selegiline and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take selegiline exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose is one tablet a day, in the morning. When you first start taking it your doctor is likely to suggest you start on the lower-strength (5 mg) tablet. You may then be prescribed the higher-strength (10 mg) tablet after a couple of weeks. You can take selegiline 5 mg and 10 mg tablets before or after food.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. You should increase your activity gradually to allow your body to adjust to any changes in balance, circulation and co-ordination.

• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor may recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on this medicine.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside this medicine. Selegiline should not be taken with strong painkillers and medicines containing sympathomimetics (present in some remedies for coughs and colds, and in decongestant nasal sprays and tablets).

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking selegiline.

• Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will want you to reduce your dose gradually if this becomes necessary. Do not stop taking the medicine without speaking with your doctor first.

Can selegiline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with selegiline. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store selegiline

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines