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selegiline HCl Oral Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: SELEGILINE RAPIDLY DISSOLVING TABLET - ORAL
Pronounced: (seh-LEDGE-uh-leen)

selegiline HCl Oral Uses

This medication is used with levodopa/carbidopa to treat movement disorders caused by Parkinson's disease. It does not cure Parkinson's disease, but it may improve shakiness (tremor), muscle stiffness, and sudden switching between normal movement and stiffness ("on-off" problems). It may improve your range of motion and ability to walk, dress, and exercise.

Selegiline is an enzyme blocker (MAO inhibitor) that works by slowing the breakdown of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin).

How To Use selegiline HCl Oral

Take this medication by dissolving the tablet on the tongue, usually once a day in the morning or as directed by your doctor. Do not swallow the tablet or the dissolved medication with saliva or water. It should be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. To prevent accidentally swallowing any of the medication, do not eat or drink anything for at least 5 minutes before or after using this product.

Dry your hands before peeling back the foil on the blister pack to carefully remove a tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Immediately place the tablet on the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely. Do not crush, split, or break the tablet before taking it. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until just before taking. Taking selegiline late in the day may cause trouble sleeping.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may change your dose to find the best dose for you. The usual highest dose is 2.5 milligrams a day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.

Your doctor may direct you to lower your levodopa dose if you are having more side effects while using selegiline. Follow your doctor's instructions closely. Do not stop or change the dose of any of your medications without first talking with your doctor.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

It may take a few weeks for the full benefits of the drug to be noticed. Talk with your doctor if the medication stops working well or if your condition worsens.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised October 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.