ELDEPRYL (SELEGILINE)

Eldepryl Description

For those with Parkinson’s disease, Eldepryl or generic Selegiline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drug, can be prescribed with Carbidopa and Levodopa to help prolong the effects of Levodopa as it tends to become less effective over time. Parkinson’s is a neuro-degenerative disease that affects your motor system, causing rigidity, slow movements, and shaking that worsens with time. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Parkinson’s Disease and How Eldepryl Can Help with Symptoms

Your movements are controlled by a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) called dopamine, but the nerve cells that produce dopamine deteriorate with Parkinson’s disease and your motor system is greatly affected as indicated by the jerky and slow movements. Levodopa is converted in your brain into dopamine while Carbidopa helps Levodopa to enter your brain before the conversion takes place. This action ensures that the maximum amount of dopamine is available where it is needed the most.

When Eldepryl is added to the Levodopa/Carbidopa combination, it works to inhibit the monoamine oxidase enzymes that are responsible for the break-down of monoamine chemicals, which includes dopamine. As these meds assist with increasing dopamine in your brain, your hands may shake less, you’re able to move a little faster, and the rigidity is reduced. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but with a good combination of medications, you are able to function better and can handle your daily tasks.

Conditions Treated by Eldepryl

For men, Parkinson’s disease seems to develop around the age of 60 and the first symptom that appears is the slow or rigid movements, called bradykinesia. Less women are affected by PD, but when they are, they are usually a few years older and the first symptom to show is tremors. The cause or causes of PD is still a mystery so there’s no way of knowing what you could do to try and prevent this neurological disorder.

Before You Receive an Eldepryl Rx

Parkinson’s disease has been diagnosed in people as young as 40, so if there is a small chance you might be pregnant, you are trying to become pregnant, or you are breast feeding, tell your doctor before taking Eldepryl. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently use or take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, to determine if Eldepryl is safe for you.

Eldepryl Precautions

Until you know how Eldepryl will affect you, do not attempt any tasks that could be considered unsafe. Keep Eldepryl and other medications out of children’s reach and away from pets. Do not stop, start, or change the dosage of any meds, including Eldepryl, without talking to your doctor. You may have to adjust which foods you should or should not eat in order to maintain a safe blood pressure.

Possible Side Effects of Eldepryl

• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Constipation