Emsam

Emsam (Selegiline)

Emsam is used for treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Emsam as directed by your doctor.

• Take Emsam with a full glass of water.
• Emsam can be taken with or without food.

Emsa is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Exactly how Emsam works to treat depression is unknown.

If you miss a dose of Emsam, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Emsam at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Emsam out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Emsam if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Emsam;
• you are taking fluoxetine or have taken it within the past 5 weeks;
• you are taking bupropion, buspirone, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, meperidine, methadone, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (e.g., atomoxetine), propoxyphene, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (e.g., paroxetine), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine), St. John's wort, a tetracyclic antidepressant (e.g., mirtazapine), tramadol, or a tricyclic antidepressant (e.g., amitriptyline), or if you have taken any of these medicines within the past 7 days;
• you are taking another MAOI (e.g., phenelzine), a sympathomimetic, including an amphetamine, a cold product, or certain diet pills or preparations (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine), or sibutramine, or if you have taken any of these medicines within the past 7 days;
• you are taking a 5-HT agonist (e.g., sumatriptan), apraclonidine, carbamazepine, methylphenidate, oxcarbazepine, or nefazodone;
• you will be undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia or will be receiving cocaine or local anesthesia containing sympathomimetic vasoconstrictors;
• you have certain adrenal gland problems (eg, pheochromocytoma).

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of bipolar disorder, mania, mood or mental problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, twitching of the face and tongue and involuntary movements of the arms and legs)
• if you have a history of ulcer, heart problems, recent heart attack, seizures, blood problems, or a metabolism disorder

• Bupropion, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, a MAOI (eg, phenelzine), meperidine, methadone, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (eg, atomoxetine), oral selegiline, propoxyphene, a serotonin or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (eg, duloxetine, venlafaxine), sibutramine, a SSRI (eg, fluoxetine), St. John's wort, sympathomimetics (eg, amphetamine , ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine), a tetracyclic antidepressant (eg, mirtazapine), or a tricyclic antidepressant (eg, amitriptyline) because serotonin syndrome (eg, fever, muscle stiffness or rigidity, vital sign changes, mental or mood changes, coma) may occur
• Apraclonidine or buspirone because severe high blood pressure may occur
• Nefazodone or tryptophan because nausea, dizziness, mental or mood changes, seizures, fever, or breathing or heart problems may occur
• Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
• Carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine because they may increase the risk of Emsam's side effects 5-HT1 agonists (eg, sumatriptan), insulin, a meglitinide antidiabetic (eg, nateglinide), methylphenidate, or a sulfonylurea (eg, glipizide) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Emsam

Stop using Emsam and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden and severe headache, confusion, blurred vision, problems with speech or balance, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, seizure (convulsions), and sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body);
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• twitching muscle movements; or
• painful or difficult urination.

• constipation, gas, loss of appetite;
• swelling, numbness or tingling, easy bruising, muscle pain;
• dry mouth, sore throat, cough;
• redness or itching where the patch is worn; or
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.

Emsam is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.