Selegiline

Uses

Selegiline is used in the treatment of parkinson's disease and the symptoms it causes.

How it Works

Selegiline prevents the breakdown of a chemical in the brain called dopamine, instead Selegiline works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is needed to control the movement nerves in the brain.

Common Side effects

Some of the potential side effects of Selegiline can include the symptoms below;

Joint pain,
Insomnia,
Peripheral edema,
Influenza like symptoms,
Depression,
Dyspepsia,
Cough

Introduction

Selegiline, also known as L-deprenyl, is a selective irreversible MAO-B inhibitor. It is available as a tablet under many brand names and is used in the prevention of symptoms of early-stage Parkinson's disease. It is however used in conjunction with levodopa/ carbidopa.

Use

This medicine is indicated to prevent the onset of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is prescribed for patients who are having treatment of Parkinson’s disease (levodopa and carbidopa) but are having a reduced efficacy of the drug regimen. It is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease, but it prolongs the activity of levodopa and carbidopa in the brain and thus slows the progress of the ailment. It helps to improve the muscle stiffness and prevent loss of movement which occurs due to wearing off of the medication before the next dose. Therefore, it helps to improve the performance of activities which require muscular movements. Monoamine oxidase is an intracellular enzyme present in the outer membrane of the mitochondria. This enzyme is widely distributed throughout the body. In the brain, this enzyme plays an important role in the catabolism of catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) and serotonin. The medicine helps prevent the activity of the enzyme, thereby increasing the longevity of dopamine.

Dosage and administration

This medication is available as tablets in the concentration of 5 mg. The recommended adult dose is 10 mg a day that is to be given in two divided doses of 5 mg each, taken after breakfast and lunch. Do not take a higher dose than that prescribed due to the risk of side effects. After 2 to 3 days of Selegiline treatment, the doctor usually recommends the reduction of the dose of levodopa/ carbidopa. It takes some weeks for the effects of the drug to be noticed hence do not stop or change the dose of any of the medications without the doctor’s advice, otherwise it may lead to worsening conditions such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Warning

Consult with the doctor about any allergies to this medicine or to any other substances.
The patient is advised to tell the doctor about his or her medical history like any history of cerebrovascular disease like stroke, cardiac problems like heart attack, adrenal gland tumor, etc.
This drug has been known to make you dizzy and has induced sleep in patients during the day time. It is advised not to drive after taking the drug or engage in any activities, which may require your mental alertness.
Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers are to use this medication only if it has been prescribed by the doctor.

Side effects

Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Dry mouth
Itchiness
Rashes
Headaches
Lightheadedness
Confusion
Hallucination
Abdominal pain