Medications and Drugs

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2. Take the Depression Quiz
3. Benefits of Depression Treatment

Brand Names: Emsam

Generic Name: selegiline (transdermal) (Pronunciation: se LE ji leen (trans DERM al))

• What is selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?
• What are the possible side effects of selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?
• What is the most important information I should know about selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?
• How should I use selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Emsam)?
• What happens if I overdose (Emsam)?
• What should I avoid while using selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?
• What other drugs will affect selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?

Selegiline prevents the breakdown of chemicals in the brain that are often imbalanced in people with depression.

Selegiline transdermal is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Selegiline may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using selegiline and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden and severe headache, confusion, blurred vision, problems with speech or balance, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, seizure (convulsions), and sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body);
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• twitching muscle movements; or
• painful or difficult urination.

Less serious side effects may include:

• constipation, gas, loss of appetite;
• swelling, numbness or tingling, easy bruising, muscle pain;
• dry mouth, sore throat, cough;
• redness or itching where the patch is worn; or
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?

There are many other medicines that can cause serious medical problems if you take them while using selegiline. Tell your doctor about all other prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

While using selegiline 9-mg or 12-mg patches, do not drink alcohol or eat foods that are high in tyramine, listed in the "What should I avoid while using selegiline?" section of this leaflet. Eating tyramine while you are using selegiline can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels and cause life-threatening symptoms.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start using an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

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