GENERIC NAME: SELEGILINE - ORAL (seh-LEDGE-uh-leen)

BRAND NAME(S): Carbex, Eldepryl

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is used along with levodopa or levodopa/carbidopa to make it more effective.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed. It may take a few weeks for the full benefits of the drug to be noticed. Do not stop taking this drug without first consulting your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, heartburn or dry mouth. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Infrequently, this medication may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. This medication can cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days of therapy. Avoid tasks requiring alertness if you experience these effects. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any of the following side effects: severe headache, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, tremors, clumsiness, confusion, involuntary movements (especially of the hands or face), nightmares, hallucinations, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: peptic ulcer, allergies (especially drug allergies). Selegiline should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.