General Information on Eldepryl
Eldepryl is used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The generic name of this drug is Selegiline, and it falls under the category of drugs referred to as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. It is an enzyme blocker and works by slowing the process of breakdown of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Eldepryl is meant for oral administration only.
Eldepryl does not cure Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder that, as of yet, does not have any cure. Eldepryl improves certain symptoms of this disease, such as muscle stiffness or shakiness, and may also improve the patient’s ability to dress, walk, and exercise.
In addition to Selegiline, the active ingredient, Eldepryl also contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, citric acid, and magnesium stearate.
Side effects of Eldepryl
Less serious side effects of Eldepryl may include the following: sleep problems, back pain, dizziness, constipation, runny nose, weakness, or mouth sores. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects become a cause for concern.
Serious side effects of Eldepryl may include the following: hallucinations, chest pain, severe headache, blurred vision, balance or speech problems, nausea, sudden weakness, vomiting, difficult or painful urination, fainting, lightheadedness, irritability, agitation, restlessness, or twitching muscle movements. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.
A few patients who buy Eldepryl have reported experiencing an allergic reaction to it. If you experience any allergic reaction after taking this drug, immediately report it to your doctor. If left untreated, allergic reactions can sometimes prove fatal. Symptoms associated with allergic reactions are: facial flushing, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, skin rashes, itching, wheezing, shortness of breath or breathing difficulty, or difficulty swallowing.
Certain drugs, when taken along with Eldepryl, may increase the risk of certain side effects. You should not take Eldepryl if you have taken any of the following medications in the last 2 weeks: any other monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors like rasagiline, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, transdermal selegiline, or isocarboxazid, methadone, propoxyphene, tramadol, meperidine, or cold or cough drugs that have dextromethrophan.
In addition to the above, other drugs that are likely to interact with Eldepryl, and so should be avoided during treatment, are: rifampin, an antidepressant (like amoxapine, citalopram, amitriptyline, clomipramine, bupropion, paroxetine, trimipramine, sertraline, imipramine, venlafaxine, fluoxetine, doxepin, escitalopram, and others), phenobarbital, nafcillin, or carbamazepine.
To ensure that Eldepryl is safe for you, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or have had any of the following: liver disease, kidney disease, low or high blood pressure, seizure disorder, or heart disease.
Eldepryl is listed under pregnancy category C. That is, the effect of this drug on pregnant women is not known. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using Eldepryl.
The safety and effectiveness of Eldepryl in breastfeeding women has not been established. If you are nursing a child, consult your doctor before you buy Eldepryl.
Dosage of Eldepryl
This drug is available in only one strength- Eldepryl 5 mg. The recommended dosage of the drug is Eldepryl 10 mg daily, administered as two equal doses (Eldepryl 5 mg), one each at breakfast and lunch.
