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.
ZELAPAR (Selegiline hydrochloride)
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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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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
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 SourceZELAPAR (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 SourceWarrington 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.
Go to source).
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