Eldepryl

Generic name: Selegiline hydrochloride

Why is Eldepryl prescribed?

Eldepryl is prescribed along with levodopa/carbidopa for people with Parkinson's disease. It is used when levodopa/carbidopa no longer seems to be working well. Eldepryl has no effect when taken by itself; it works only in combination with levodopa or levodopa/carbidopa.

Parkinson's disease, which causes muscle rigidity and difficulty with walking and talking, involves the progressive degeneration of a particular type of nerve cell. Early on, levodopa or levodopa/carbidopa alone may alleviate the symptoms of the disease. In time, however, these medications work less well; their effectiveness seems to switch on and off at random, and the individual may begin to experience side effects such as involuntary movements and "freezing" in mid-motion.

Eldepryl may be prescribed at this stage of the disease to help restore the effectiveness of levodopa or levodopa/carbidopa. When you begin to take Eldepryl, you may need a reduced dosage of the other medication.

Most important fact about Eldepryl

Eldepryl belongs to a class of drugs known as MAO inhibitors. These drugs can interact with certain foods—including aged cheeses and meats, pickled herring, beer, and wine—to cause a life-threatening surge in blood pressure. At the dose recommended for Eldepryl, this interaction is not a problem. But for safety's sake, you may want to watch your diet; and you should never take more Eldepryl than the doctor prescribed.

How should you take Eldepryl?

Take Eldepryl and your other Parkinson's medication exactly as prescribed.

• If you miss a dose...
  Take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until late afternoon or evening, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Eldepryl.