Selegiline: Uses, Safety and Drug Interactions

Selegiline: uses, safety and drug interactions

Overview: Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor used in Parkinson treatment. This page concerns conventional oral tablets and follows the UK Eldepryl product information. Transdermal selegiline products used in depression have different instructions; their indications and food precautions should not be substituted for those of oral Parkinson treatment.

Uses and formulation: Oral selegiline may be used alone in early Parkinson disease or added to levodopa, particularly when symptoms fluctuate as a levodopa dose wears off. It can strengthen levodopa effects, including unwanted involuntary movements. Any adjustment to the combined regimen needs to be planned by the treating specialist rather than made by the patient.

Safety: Dizziness, disturbed sleep, confusion, hallucinations, mouth symptoms, nausea and changes in blood pressure or pulse can occur. Seek urgent care for fever with agitation, muscle rigidity, tremor, sweating or diarrhoea, which can indicate serotonin syndrome. Sudden severe headache, chest pain or fainting also require prompt assessment. Report new compulsive behaviours. Pregnancy data are inadequate, and the referenced product should not be used while breastfeeding.

Drug interactions: Important prohibited combinations include antidepressants, other MAO inhibitors, certain opioids, sympathomimetics and migraine serotonin agonists such as triptans. Safe switching intervals differ between medicines, especially long-lasting fluoxetine; never organise a washout yourself. Alcohol should be avoided. The UK oral label does not require a routine tyramine-restricted diet at recommended Parkinson doses, but higher exposure or combinations with other MAO inhibitors change that assessment. Tell clinicians about all medicines before surgery or a new prescription.

Sources

• Orion Eldepryl 10 mg oral tablets, UK SmPC
• AiPing Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride oral tablets — US prescribing information
• Novartis Ritalin methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets — US prescribing information
• Axsome Sunosi solriamfetol tablets, US prescribing information

This page provides an English summary of the cited sources. Source check: 30 October 2026. This date records a source check, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Follow the current leaflet for your product and seek professional advice for personal treatment.