Selegiline

Selegiline is prescribed in combination with carbidopa-levodopa medications to help treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. A dopamine deficiency in certain parts of the brain may be responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Selegiline works by increasing the levels of dopamine. This prescription medication is typically taken twice a day and comes in capsule form. Potential side effects include nausea, dizziness, and stomach pain.

What Is Selegiline?

Selegiline hydrochloride (Eldepryl®) is a prescription medication approved to treat Parkinson's disease. It is approved for use in combination with carbidopa-levodopa medications (such as Sinemet®, Sinemet® CR, or Parcopa®).
 
(Click What Is Selegiline Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Side Effects of Selegiline

As with any medicine, selegiline can cause side effects. Although some side effects of this medication may be merely bothersome, some are quite serious or intolerable. Side effects often limit the usefulness of selegiline.
 
Common side effects of selegiline include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain).
     
(Click Side Effects of Selegiline to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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