Eldepryl (Selegiline) for Parkinson's Disease

Overview
Eldepryl is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989 to treat motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. Eldepryl may be prescribed as a monotherapy to people with early Parkinson’s disease, or as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment in those who are taking levodopa/carbidopa and experiencing reductions in its effectiveness. Eldepryl may be referred to by its drug name, selegiline. Selegiline is also marketed under the brand name Zelapar.

Eldepryl is not suitable for people who have previously shown hypersensitivity to selegiline. Eldepryl must be used with caution in people with phenylketonuria or liver or kidney disease. Eldepryl may not be appropriate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Eldepryl is a member of a class of antidepressant drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). In cases of Parkinson’s disease, Eldepryl is believed to work by preventing the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, thereby increasing the amount of dopamine available.

How do I take it?
Eldepryl is taken orally as a capsule twice a day with meals.

Do not stop using Eldepryl suddenly. If you decide to stop using Eldepryl, form a plan with your doctor for gradually tapering off your dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Eldepryl.

Side effects
Common side effects of Eldepryl include drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, confusion, hallucinations, dry mouth, vivid dreams, unusual body movements, and headache. Tell your doctor if these side effects become worse.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions and, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Eldepryl — RxList
www.rxlist.com/eldepryl-drug.htm