How should this medicine be used?
Selegiline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day. Selegiline may be taken for a long time to treat Parkinson's disease. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take selegiline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking selegiline suddenly without talking with your doctor. Sudden stoppage can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking selegiline,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to selegiline, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), and vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had blood vessel, heart, kidney, liver, or lung disease; glaucoma; skin cancer; hormone problems; asthma; emphysema; mental illness; diabetes; ulcers; heart attacks; irregular heartbeat; or seizures.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking selegiline, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking selegiline.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
* plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Selegiline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Do not eat the following foods while taking selegiline and for 2 weeks after you stop taking it: pickled herring, liver, dried sausage, salami, meats prepared with tenderizer, sauerkraut, fish, poultry, yogurt, sour cream, aged cheeses (except cream or cottage cheese), beer, red wine, sherry, avocados, bananas, figs, raisins, broad beans, yeast extract, and soy sauce. Do not consume large amounts of chocolate, coffee, tea, or colas that contain caffeine.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Try not to take the last dose late in the day.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects from selegiline are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* dizziness
* dry mouth
* upset stomach
* vomiting
* loss of appetite
* heartburn
* constipation
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* severe headache
* chest pain
* fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
* tremors
* confusion
* involuntary movements of hands or face
* nightmares
* difficulty breathing
* difficulty urinating
