What Is Selegiline Used For?

Selegiline is used for treating Parkinson's disease in adults. However, this prescription medication may also be used "off-label" to treat several other health conditions. Some off-label selegiline uses include treating Alzheimer's disease, depression, and schizophrenia. Selegiline works by providing a means for the body to produce more dopamine (a brain chemical). Low levels of dopamine are thought to be responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

 

What Is Selegiline Used For? -- An Overview

Selegiline hydrochloride (Eldepryl®) is a Parkinson's disease medication. It belongs to a group of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It is only approved for use in combination with carbidopa-levodopa medications (such as Sinemet®, Sinemet® CR, or Parcopa®). Selegiline is specifically designed for people who are experiencing a reduced response to their carbidopa-levodopa therapy.
 
Parkinson's disease results from the loss of neurons in a region of the brain that controls movement. This creates a shortage of the neurotransmitter (brain-signaling chemical) known as dopamine, causing movement problems that are characteristic of Parkinson's disease. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not currently known.
 
Depending on the severity of a person's symptoms, Parkinson's disease treatment can include:
 
(What Is Selegiline Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;