ELDEPRYL

Eldepryl tablets 5mg Why do I need this medicine? Selegiline is used together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's Disease. It is used to improve the medicinal effect of other Parkinson's Disease medicines such as levodopa.

Selegiline does not cure Parkinson's Disease but it can improve the quality of life for people who have the disease. It is sometimes used to treat other conditions.

How do I take this medicine? Take Selegiline exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may need to take Selegiline for some time before the full benefits can be felt. Continue taking Selegiline even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor. Do not stop taking Selegiline suddenly as this could worsen your condition.

Take Selegiline with breakfast or lunch. Avoid taking it in the evening as it may interfere with your sleep. Try to take Selegiline at the same time each day.

Selegiline is available as a normal tablet and as an orally disintegrating tablet.

If you are taking the orally disintegrating tablet, place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve. Do not swallow the tablet. Do not eat or drink anything 5 minutes before or after taking the tablet. What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Remember to take your medicine regularly. Selegiline must be taken regularly for it to be effective. If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor or pharmacist know. Can I take this with other medicines? Do not take Selegiline within 5 weeks of stopping the fluoxetine (an antidepressant) or take any other antidepressants within 2 weeks of stopping Selegiline.

Do not take Selegiline if you have taken migraine medicines such as sumatriptan or naratriptan.

Do not take the painkiller meperidine or similar medicines together with Selegiline.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here:

- mood medicines or sleeping pills
- cough, cold or allergy medicines which contains dextromethorphan or ephedrine
- birth control pills
- medicines to suppress appetite such as sibutramine

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription. How should I store this medicine? Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

When should I not use this medicine? Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while being treated with Selegiline.

Alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Do not take Selegiline within 5 weeks of stopping fluoxetine (an antidepressant). Do not take any other antidepressants within 2 weeks of stopping Selegiline.

Do not take Selegiline if you have taken migraine medicines such as sumatriptan or naratriptan.

Do not take the painkiller meperidine or similar opioid medicines together with Selegiline. What should I take note of while taking this medicine? Alert your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, a history of stomach ulcer or mental illness.

If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Selegiline.

If you suffer from phenylketonuria (a condition where your body is not able to break down the amino acid phenylalanine), do not take the orally disintegrating tablet as it contains phenylalanine.
Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take? Avoid alcohol and beverages that contain tyramine such as red wine and beer.

Avoid food that is high in tyramine, such as cheese, sausages, soya beans, fava beans, broad beans. Discuss with your doctor the types of food you should avoid.

SELEGILINE

What side effects could I experience? Selegiline may cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert. Selegiline may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Selegiline may also cause nausea, stomach pain, dry mouth, constipation, headache, tiredness, urinary difficulties, hallucinations or difficulty controlling your movements. These side effects are common especially when you have just started taking Selegiline. Let your doctor know if these side effects get worse or if they do not go away.

Alert your doctor if you experience severe headache, neck stiffness or soreness or if you develop fast or irregular heartbeat.