Eldepryl (Selegiline) — Patient Information (UK)

Eldepryl is a brand of selegiline, a medicine used in the treatment of certain neurological conditions, most commonly Parkinson’s disease. Selegiline belongs to a class of medicines called MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). This leaflet-style guide explains how Eldepryl works, how it is usually taken, what to expect, and important safety information for people in the United Kingdom.

Always follow the instructions you are given by your healthcare professional. The information below is designed to help you understand the medicine and prepare for day-to-day use.

Quick overview

• Active ingredient: Selegiline
• Medicine type: MAO inhibitor (MAO-B selective at usual doses)
• Common use: Parkinson’s disease (to help improve symptoms and movement)
• How it helps: Increases the availability of dopamine in the brain
• Typical dosing pattern: Often once or twice daily depending on strength and regimen
• Key safety notes: Be cautious with other medicines and substances that may interact, including certain antidepressants and decongestants
• Timing: Usually taken in the morning and/or earlier in the day to reduce possible sleep disturbance

Basic product information

How Eldepryl works (mechanism of action)

In the brain, dopamine is a chemical messenger involved in movement and coordination. In Parkinson’s disease, dopamine-producing cells become less active or are lost, leading to symptoms such as slowness of movement, stiffness, tremor, and reduced mobility.

Selegiline works by inhibiting an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO), specifically MAO-B at usual doses. MAO-B helps break down dopamine. By reducing dopamine breakdown, selegiline can help increase and prolong dopamine activity in the brain.

At higher exposures, MAO inhibition may become less selective. Because of this, drug interactions are an important consideration with selegiline.

Pharmacokinetics: what the body does to selegiline

Pharmacokinetics describes how a medicine is absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and eliminated. Understanding these processes can help explain onset, duration, and interaction potential.

Absorption

Selegiline is absorbed after oral dosing. The extent of absorption may vary between individuals.

Distribution

Selegiline distributes into body tissues, including the central nervous system, allowing it to affect MAO-B activity in the brain.

Metabolism

Selegiline is primarily metabolised in the body into metabolites (breakdown products). Some metabolites may also have biological activity.

Elimination

The medicine and its metabolites are eliminated mainly via the kidneys and/or in urine and other routes, depending on metabolism. Individual elimination rates can vary with age and overall health.

Practical takeaway: Because selegiline is metabolised and affects enzyme activity, interactions with other medicines can be clinically important even if you are taking selegiline for a shorter period.

Typical use in the UK

Eldepryl (selegiline) is used in Parkinson’s disease. It may be used as:

• Monotherapy (in some people, especially early disease)
• Adjunct therapy alongside other Parkinson’s medicines (for example, levodopa and/or dopamine agonists), depending on your treatment plan

Your specialist may choose selegiline to help reduce motor symptoms, smooth the “wearing off” effect of other medicines, or improve overall mobility. The exact role depends on your stage of disease and other treatments.

When to take it (timing and daily routine)

Many people find it helps to take selegiline earlier in the day, because stimulation or sleep disruption can occur in some individuals. A common approach is:

• Morning dose first thing
• If taken twice daily, the second dose is usually taken earlier in the afternoon (not late evening)

Follow your regimen: Dosing frequency and timing should match the schedule provided for your particular strength and plan. If you are unsure, check with your pharmacist.

How to take Eldepryl

• Take with water, with or without food (as advised on your medicine’s patient information).
• Try to take it at the same time(s) each day to maintain steadier effects.
• Do not stop suddenly without medical advice, especially if it has been part of a combination regimen.

If you miss a dose, your pharmacist or prescriber will typically advise whether to take it when you remember or to skip it. A general rule in many regimens is to avoid taking extra doses to “catch up”, especially late in the day.

Food interactions

MAO inhibitors are sometimes associated with dietary considerations, but selegiline is generally MAO-B selective at typical doses. This means the strictness of dietary restrictions may be less than with older non-selective MAO inhibitors.

Nevertheless, because individual responses and dose-related selectivity can vary, it’s important to be cautious with foods that contain high levels of tyramine. Tyramine is a naturally occurring substance that may trigger adverse effects when combined with MAO inhibition.

Food safety tips

• Be cautious with aged, fermented, or improperly stored foods.
• Use caution with certain cured or fermented products (for example, some types of aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented sauces).
• Avoid eating spoiled or unrefrigerated foods.

Advice may vary by dose and local guidance. If you have specific dietary questions, ask your pharmacist for tailored advice.

Alcohol and medicine interactions

Combining selegiline with alcohol may increase side effects such as dizziness and sleepiness in some people, and may worsen safety (for example, balance and falls risk). Moderate alcohol may be tolerated by some individuals, but it is best to follow personalised advice from your healthcare team.

Important medicine interactions

Selegiline can interact with several medicines, mainly due to its enzyme inhibition effects. Tell your pharmacist or prescriber about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies.

Examples of medicines that require particular caution:

• Antidepressants (especially certain types such as SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and others)—combining can raise the risk of serious reactions.
• Opioid pain medicines and other medicines that affect serotonin/noradrenaline pathways—risk varies by agent and combination.
• Stimulants and some cough/cold preparations—some decongestants may be unsafe with MAO inhibition.
• Other MAO inhibitors (including some medicines used for depression or Parkinson’s in certain pathways).
• Herbal products such as St John’s wort—may increase the risk of interactions.

Do not start any new medicine (including “non-prescription” items) without checking first. This is one of the most important safety steps.

Serotonin-related precautions

Some combination therapy can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition caused by excessive serotonin activity. Symptoms can include agitation, confusion, sweating, tremor, fever, diarrhoea, and fast heart rate. Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms occur.

Indications (what it is used for)

In the UK, Eldepryl (selegiline) is used primarily for:

• Parkinson’s disease — to improve symptoms and help manage motor function as part of treatment

Your clinician will decide whether selegiline fits your symptoms, disease stage, and current medications. In practice, it is commonly used either early on or as part of combination regimens later.

Dosing: how much and how often

Dosing depends on the product strength, your condition, age, and the overall treatment plan (including other Parkinson’s medicines). The safest advice is to follow the dose written for you by your healthcare professional.

Common dosing principles

• Start low and adjust gradually if needed.
• Use morning/early day timing to reduce sleep-related side effects.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

If you want, check the label or packaging for the exact regimen you’ve been given (for example, once daily vs twice daily). If you are unsure, your pharmacist can help interpret the instructions.

Safety profile: side effects and what to watch for

Like all medicines, selegiline can cause side effects. Many people tolerate it well, but some effects require attention. If you experience any severe or worrying symptoms, contact a healthcare professional promptly.

Common or likely side effects

• Insomnia or sleep disturbance (particularly if taken late)
• Headache
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Confusion (more likely in older adults or if interactions occur)

Less common but important risks

• Falls due to dizziness or blood pressure changes
• High blood pressure symptoms (for example, severe headache) after interacting foods/medicines
• Abnormal heart rate or palpitations in some cases

Seek urgent help if

Get urgent medical advice if you develop signs of a serious reaction such as:

• Severe agitation, confusion, fever, heavy sweating, or muscle stiffness
• Severe headache with chest tightness, breathlessness, or neurological symptoms
• Fainting, severe chest pain, or signs of stroke

If you’re unsure whether symptoms are serious, it’s safer to seek advice.

Practical use tips

Make dosing easier

• Use a pill organiser and reminders on your phone or alarm clock.
• Keep a consistent routine: selegiline is often best taken earlier in the day.

Track benefits and side effects

Because Parkinson’s symptoms can fluctuate, it can be helpful to note:

• When your mobility improves
• When symptoms “wear off”
• Sleep quality and any insomnia
• Dizziness or near-falls

Sharing this information with your healthcare team can help fine-tune your regimen.

Keep a medication list

Carry (or keep online access to) a list of:

• Your selegiline dose and timing
• All other prescribed medicines
• Over-the-counter products you use
• Herbal supplements (especially St John’s wort)

This reduces the risk of dangerous interactions.

Driving and machinery

Parkinson’s disease and some medicines may affect reaction time, coordination, or alertness. If you feel dizzy or unusually drowsy, avoid driving or operating machinery and discuss with your healthcare professional.

Alternatives to Eldepryl (selegiline)

Depending on the stage of Parkinson’s disease and your individual circumstances, alternatives may include:

• Other MAO-B inhibitors (for example, rasagiline in many settings)
• Levodopa-containing treatments (often the most effective symptomatic option)
• Dopamine agonists (such as pramipexole or ropinirole)
• COMT inhibitors (used to prolong levodopa effect in some regimens)
• Amantadine (in certain cases)
• Non-medicine approaches (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise programmes)

Your specialist will choose an option based on symptom pattern, age, other medical conditions, side effects, and existing medications.

Market and legal context in the United Kingdom

In the UK, medicines are regulated through the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and dispensed according to legal and clinical frameworks. Brand availability can change due to supply and prescribing practices.

For Parkinson’s disease medicines, clinical decisions are guided by evidence-based practice and national guidance, with ongoing review as new data emerge. Patients are encouraged to keep appointments and report side effects.

Recent guidance and ongoing updates

Guidance for Parkinson’s treatment may be updated over time, including recommendations on:

• Choice of initial therapy (early vs later disease)
• Managing “wearing off” and motor fluctuations
• Balancing efficacy with side effect risk
• Drug interaction safety and monitoring

If you’re starting or switching treatment, confirm the most current approach with your clinician or pharmacist.

Delivery and availability (UK)

Availability of Eldepryl (selegiline) may vary by pharmacy and supplier. Online pharmacies in the UK typically source stock through authorised distribution channels.

• Stock status: Some strengths or packs may be temporarily unavailable; alternative arrangements may be suggested.
• Dispatch times: Delivery estimates depend on your location and order cut-off times.
• Packaging: Medicines should arrive in secure, compliant packaging.
• Cold-chain: Selegiline is generally not a cold-chain product; follow the packaging instructions.

If you need a specific strength, it’s helpful to order early and double-check pack details with the pharmacy listing.

FAQ

1) What is Eldepryl used for?

Eldepryl (selegiline) is used mainly for Parkinson’s disease. It helps improve movement and other motor symptoms by increasing dopamine activity in the brain.

2) How long does it take to work?

Some people notice changes after starting, while others may take longer. Parkinson’s medication adjustments often occur gradually. If you don’t notice improvement, discuss it—your clinician may adjust the plan.

3) Should I take it with food?

Many people can take selegiline with or without food, but follow the instructions that come with your specific product. If you notice stomach upset, taking it with a light meal may help.

4) Can I drink alcohol while taking Eldepryl?

Alcohol may increase dizziness or sleepiness and may worsen safety. It’s best to keep alcohol moderate and follow advice from your healthcare professional. If you notice dizziness or unsteadiness, avoid alcohol and seek advice.

5) What medicines commonly interact with selegiline?

Interactions can occur with certain antidepressants, cough/cold medications (especially some decongestants), other MAO inhibitors, and some herbal products such as St John’s wort. Always check with a pharmacist before starting anything new.

6) Do I need to avoid certain foods?

Because selegiline affects MAO enzymes, you may need to be cautious with high-tyramine foods (for example, aged/fermented products), especially at higher doses or if your clinician advises it. Ask your pharmacist for advice tailored to your dose and situation.

7) What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it only if it is still within your normal dosing window. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and continue with your next planned dose. Avoid taking extra doses to compensate. For personal guidance, ask your pharmacist.

8) Can Eldepryl cause insomnia?

Yes, sleep disturbance can occur. Taking selegiline earlier in the day often helps. If insomnia persists, speak to your healthcare professional.

9) Is it safe to stop Eldepryl suddenly?

Do not stop without medical advice. Stopping abruptly may affect symptom control. Your clinician can guide a safe plan if stopping is necessary.

10) When should I contact a healthcare professional urgently?

Contact urgent medical services if you develop severe symptoms such as high fever, confusion, severe headache with other serious symptoms, fainting, chest pain, or signs of stroke. For milder but concerning effects, seek timely medical advice.

Important reminder

This information is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice. If you have questions about taking Eldepryl safely, including interactions with other medicines, foods, alcohol, or supplements, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional.