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Selegiline : Interaction with Foods, Herbs & Alcohol


Are you taking Selegiline? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Selegiline with certain foods, herbs, or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Selegiline Interactions with Food and Herbs

Tyramine foods: Taking Selegiline along with tyramine-containing foods such as cheese, chianti wine, pickled herring, fava beans, bananas and figs can raise your blood pressure and cause life-threatening symptoms (1 Trusted Source
ZELAPAR (Selegiline hydrochloride)

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).

Selegiline Interactions with Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Selegiline because it can cause drowsiness, additive CNS depression and impairment of judgement, thinking and psychomotor skills (2 Trusted Source
Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P. Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline. Neuropsychobiology. 1986;15 Suppl 1:31-7. doi: 10.1159/000118284. PMID: 3725002.

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).

When and How to Take Selegiline

  • Selegiline is available in the form of a capsule and an orally disintegrating (dissolving) tablet to be taken orally.
  • The capsule is usually taken twice a day with breakfast and lunch.
  • The orally disintegrating tablet is usually taken once a day before breakfast without food, water or other liquids.
  • Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label.
  • Take the medication at around the same time every day for better results.
  • Do not exceed or skip a dose. If you miss a dose, take the medication as soon as you remember.
  • Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as fever, sweating, stiff muscle and loss of consciousness (3 Trusted Source
    National Library of Medicine: Selegiline MedlinePlus Drug Information.

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    ).

References

1. ZELAPAR (Selegiline hydrochloride) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/021479lbl.pdf
2. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P. Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline. Neuropsychobiology. 1986;15 Suppl 1:31-7. doi: 10.1159/000118284. PMID: 3725002.
3. National Library of Medicine: Selegiline MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697046.html

Drug Name : Selegiline

Selegiline is a selective and irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), prescribed for Parkinson’s disease either alone or with levodopa as an adjuvant. It prevents the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, thus improving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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