Eldepryl (Selegiline) – Patient-Friendly Guide

Eldepryl contains selegiline, a medicine used mainly for certain neurological conditions. This guide explains what Eldepryl is, how it works, how it’s typically used, and important safety information—written for patients and carers in Australia.

Always follow the instructions given by your healthcare professional and read the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) provided with your product.

Key Product Information

How Eldepryl Works (Mechanism of Action)

Selegiline belongs to a class of medicines called MAO-B inhibitors. “MAO” stands for monoamine oxidase—enzymes in the body that break down certain chemical messengers in the brain.

In particular, MAO-B plays a role in the breakdown of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control movement. By inhibiting MAO-B, selegiline can help increase or preserve dopamine activity in the brain.

Clinical effect: In Parkinson’s disease, this can improve symptoms such as slowness of movement and stiffness. Depending on the overall treatment plan, it may help reduce “off” periods or improve the effectiveness of other Parkinson’s therapies.

Pharmacokinetics (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion)

Pharmacokinetics describes what the body does to a medicine—how it’s absorbed, processed, and cleared.

• Absorption: Selegiline is taken by mouth and is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Distribution: It reaches the brain, where MAO-B is inhibited.
• Metabolism: Selegiline is metabolised in the body, including by liver pathways. Metabolites may be pharmacologically active.
• Elimination: Metabolites are mainly excreted through the kidneys (in urine), and partly via other routes.

Practical meaning for patients: Because selegiline is processed by the body (including liver metabolism), interactions with other medicines are important. Dose timing and adherence to your plan can affect symptom control and side effects.

What Eldepryl Is Typically Used For

The most common and well-established use of Eldepryl (selegiline) is in Parkinson’s disease.

• Parkinson’s disease: Often used to manage motor symptoms and help smooth symptom control when combined with other Parkinson’s treatments.
• Depression (select cases): Selegiline may be used in certain depression strategies under specialist guidance. The relevance depends on local prescribing standards and product indications.

Important: The exact indication and treatment approach vary by patient. Your healthcare professional will determine whether Eldepryl is appropriate for you.

When to Take It (Timing and How to Take)

Taking selegiline at the correct time can help reduce side effects and improve symptom benefit.

Typical timing

• Once-daily dosing is common for many selegiline regimens. If you’re taking it once a day, take it at the time advised by your healthcare professional.
• If your regimen involves more than one dose per day, your clinician will specify dosing times—often aiming to reduce the chance of sleep disruption.

How to take tablets

• Take Eldepryl as directed with water.
• Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain steady symptom control.
• If you miss a dose, follow the advice provided with your medicine or from your clinician/pharmacist. In general, do not take a double dose to “catch up”.

Tip: Many patients find it helpful to set a daily reminder on their phone or use a pill organiser.

Food Interactions and Dietary Considerations

One reason MAO-inhibitors are discussed with diet is that certain foods contain tyramine. High tyramine levels can cause a dangerous blood pressure response when MAO inhibitors are used.

Selegiline is an MAO-B selective inhibitor at lower doses, which generally results in a lower risk of tyramine-related reactions compared with non-selective MAO inhibitors. However, dietary caution may still be advised depending on dose, formulation, and individual risk factors.

General dietary safety guidance

• Avoid or limit tyramine-rich foods if you’ve been advised to do so.
• Be cautious with aged, fermented, or improperly stored foods.
• If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist for guidance based on your exact dose and regimen.

Practical examples of foods often discussed with MAO inhibitors: some aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products (e.g., some soy products), and foods that are improperly stored.

Note: Don’t make large dietary changes without checking with your clinician or pharmacist, especially if you’re already eating a wide variety of foods.

Alcohol and Medicine Interactions

Alcohol

Alcohol can affect your nervous system and may worsen side effects such as dizziness, , and . It can also interfere with how you feel day-to-day and how well your Parkinson’s symptoms are controlled.

• Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Eldepryl unless your healthcare professional has told you it’s safe.
• If you choose to drink, do so cautiously and avoid binge drinking.

Medication interactions (important)

Selegiline interacts with several medicine types. The risk is often related to increased levels of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and noradrenaline, or to effects on blood pressure and heart rhythm.

Tell your pharmacist or clinician if you take any of the following:

• Antidepressants, especially SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and MAO inhibitors
• Other medicines that affect serotonin (for example, some migraine medicines such as triptans, certain pain medicines, and some cough/cold products containing relevant agents)
• Stimulants or medicines for ADHD
• Opioid pain medicines (some opioids have serotonin-related risks)
• Decongestants or cold/flu medicines (some contain sympathomimetic agents that may raise blood pressure)
• Strong CYP-related medicines (because metabolism may be affected)

Serious interaction risk: Combining selegiline with certain antidepressants or other serotonergic medicines can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms can include agitation, confusion, sweating, fever, tremor, diarrhoea, and fast heartbeat.

If you experience symptoms suggestive of serotonin syndrome, seek urgent medical attention.

Indications: Who May Benefit?

Eldepryl is used in clinical settings for conditions where improving dopamine function can help reduce symptoms.

• Parkinson’s disease: Used as part of a broader Parkinson’s management plan.
• Depression: In certain specialist-guided treatment strategies.

Not suitable for everyone. Whether Eldepryl is right for you depends on your diagnosis, medical history, other medicines you use, and your risk of side effects or interactions.

Dosing: Typical Regimens and Starting Points

Dosing can vary by condition, age, liver function, and the exact formulation available. The information below is general. Always use your personal plan from your healthcare professional.

General dosing principles

• Start low and adjust: Many MAO-B inhibitor regimens begin at a conservative dose to assess tolerance.
• Consistency matters: Taking your dose at the same time daily can support stable symptom control.
• Watch for side effects: If you develop problematic dizziness, sleep disturbance, or unusual agitation, contact your pharmacist or clinician.

Common dosing patterns (general)

For many patients with Parkinson’s disease, selegiline is taken at low daily doses, sometimes as a once-daily regimen. Your clinician may also consider whether it should be used alongside other Parkinson’s medicines such as levodopa or dopamine agonists.

Do not change your dose or stop suddenly without medical advice.

Safety Profile: Side Effects and When to Seek Help

Most medicines can cause side effects. Many are mild and improve as your body adjusts. Others require prompt medical attention.

Common or mild side effects

• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Dizziness, especially when standing up (orthostatic symptoms)
• Headache
• Insomnia or sleep disturbance (timing-related)
• Dry mouth
• Restlessness

Less common but important side effects

• Confusion or significant mood changes
• Low blood pressure or fainting
• Heart-related symptoms (e.g., palpitations)
• Unusual movements or worsening control when used with other Parkinson’s medicines

Seek urgent medical help if you notice

• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome (agitation, fever, sweating, diarrhoea, tremor, fast heart rate)
• Severe chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath
• Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face/lips, difficulty breathing, widespread rash)

Who needs extra caution?

• People with liver impairment (metabolism may be affected)
• People taking multiple interacting medications
• People with low blood pressure or a history of fainting
• People with a history of sleep problems

Practical Use Tips for Patients

• Keep a symptom diary: Track “on/off” periods (for Parkinson’s), sleep quality, and side effects—helpful for dose adjustments.
• Take it consistently: Set a daily reminder and keep your dosing schedule stable.
• Be careful with “cold and flu” products: Some over-the-counter decongestants can worsen blood pressure or interact.
• Review your medicines regularly: Bring a list (or photo) of all medicines and supplements to appointments.
• Stand up slowly: If you feel dizzy, sit for a moment before standing to reduce falls.
• Plan for sleep: If insomnia occurs, discuss timing with your pharmacist.

Alternative Options

Depending on your condition and treatment goals, healthcare professionals may consider different options. Alternatives are not identical and may suit different patients better.

Parkinson’s disease alternatives (examples)

• Other MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., rasagiline)
• Levodopa-based therapies
• Dopamine agonists
• COMT inhibitors (often used alongside levodopa to prolong effects)
• Other prescription options depending on symptom profile

Depression alternatives (examples)

Depression treatment varies widely. Alternatives may include SSRIs/SNRIs, counselling approaches, or other antidepressant classes—chosen based on your history, severity, and interaction risk.

Important: If you are switching between medicines, timing and washout periods can matter. Always use clinician-guided transition plans.

Australia: Market and Legal Context

In Australia, medicines are regulated under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) framework. Access depends on whether a product is listed, registered, or supplied under particular arrangements, and on the approved indications for that product.

What this means for patients:

• Some medicines and strengths may be subject to supply availability and changing product listings.
• Always ensure the product you receive is appropriate for your intended use and is sourced through legitimate supply channels.
• For the most accurate and up-to-date availability information, check with your pharmacy or the dispensing provider.

Recent guidance note: Guidance about interacting medicines (especially antidepressants and serotonergic drugs) continues to evolve. Pharmacists will typically screen for interaction risk when processing orders and can provide advice on safe combinations and timing.

Delivery and Availability (Online Pharmacy Considerations)

Availability can vary. When ordering online in Australia, reputable pharmacies typically:

• Verify the product and strength
• Confirm supply status and delivery timing
• Provide packaging that protects tablets and includes relevant information
• Offer tracking options and discreet delivery where available

Delivery time: This depends on stock level, courier service, and your location. If a product is temporarily out of stock, some pharmacies can advise on expected replenishment times.

Storage: Follow the instructions on the label and pack. In general, keep medicines in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children.

FAQ: Eldepryl (Selegiline) – Common Questions

1) What is Eldepryl used for?

Eldepryl (selegiline) is primarily used for Parkinson’s disease. In some clinical settings, it may also be used for depression under specialist strategies. Your healthcare professional will determine the appropriate indication for you.

2) How does selegiline help Parkinson’s symptoms?

Selegiline inhibits MAO-B, reducing dopamine breakdown. This can help maintain dopamine activity in the brain, improving motor symptoms in some patients.

3) When should I take my dose?

Most regimens involve once-daily dosing (timing depends on your specific product and plan). Take it at the time recommended by your clinician, and consider that it may affect sleep—so evening doses are often avoided.

4) Can I drink alcohol while taking Eldepryl?

It’s generally best to avoid or limit alcohol because it can increase dizziness, sleep disruption, and fall risk. Discuss with your pharmacist if you plan to drink.

5) Are there food restrictions?

Because selegiline is MAO-B selective at lower doses, strict tyramine restrictions may be less necessary than with non-selective MAO inhibitors. However, some patients are still advised to avoid or limit tyramine-rich foods. Ask your pharmacist for guidance tailored to your dose and treatment.

6) What medicines should not be combined with selegiline?

Some combinations increase serious risk, particularly medicines affecting serotonin or other MAO activity. Examples include certain antidepressants and other serotonergic agents. Always tell your pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements.

7) What side effects are common?

Common effects can include dizziness, nausea, and sleep disturbance. If side effects are persistent or severe, contact your pharmacist or clinician.

8) What should I do if I miss a dose?

Follow the advice provided by your pharmacy or medicine information. In general, do not take a double dose to compensate. If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist.

9) Is Eldepryl safe for everyone?

No. Extra caution is needed for people with liver impairment, low blood pressure, or who take multiple interacting medicines. Your pharmacist can help assess interaction risks.

10) Are there alternatives if Eldepryl isn’t suitable?

Yes. Alternatives depend on your diagnosis, for example other MAO-B inhibitors or different Parkinson’s treatment classes. Your clinician can help choose the best option.

Summary

Eldepryl (selegiline) is a MAO-B inhibitor used primarily in Parkinson’s disease. By reducing dopamine breakdown, it can help improve movement-related symptoms and may support better symptom control, especially as part of a broader treatment plan. Safe use depends on correct timing, careful attention to interactions (particularly with antidepressants and other serotonergic medicines), and practical monitoring of side effects such as dizziness and sleep disruption.

If you have questions about interactions, timing, or suitability for your condition, your local Australian pharmacist can provide personalised advice based on your medicines and health history.