Selegiline vs. Azilect for Parkinson's Disease: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Selegiline

Rasagiline

(Azilect)

Summary for Selegiline

Prescription only

Selegiline helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease in people who have "off" episodes as their carbidopa/levodopa medication starts to wear off. Selegiline is a type of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a drug class that has many drug interactions. Generic selegiline tablets and capsules are taken twice per day; the brand name for the pills, Eldepryl, is no longer available. Selegiline also comes as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) under the brand name Zelapar that are dissolved on the tongue once per day. Side effects include changes in blood pressure, nausea, and dizziness.

Indications for Selegiline

Relief of "off" episodes in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) who are taking a carbidopa/levodopa medication

Pros and Cons for Selegiline

Pros

Extends the actions of carbidopa/levodopa to relieve PD symptoms
Comes as tablets, capsules, and ODTs
Taken once or twice a day, depending on the form of the medication

Cons

Doesn't work well when you take it by itself; must take in addition to a carbidopa/levodopa medication
Commonly causes nausea and dizziness

Common Side Effects for Selegiline

Selegiline tablets and capsules:

Nausea (20%)
Dizziness (14%)
Stomach pain (8%)
Confusion (6%)
Hallucinations (6%)
Dry mouth (6%)

Zelapar (selegiline) ODTs:

Nausea (11%)
Dizziness (11%)
General body pain (8%)
Headache (7%)
Trouble sleeping (7%)
Runny nose (7%)
Involuntary movements (dyskinesia; 6%)
Skin irritation (6%)
Back pain (5%)
Indigestion (5%)
Inflamed or sore mouth (5%)
Other irritation in the mouth (e.g., pain when swallowing, pain in mouth, mouth sores)

Warnings for Selegiline

High blood pressure
Serotonin syndrome
Extreme sleepiness and falling asleep during activities
Low blood pressure and risk of falls
Difficulty controlling body movements
Hallucinations and behavior changes
Intense urges
Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - Zelapar ODTs only

Summary for Azilect

Prescription only

Rasagiline (Azilect) is one of the first-choice options to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as shakiness, stiff muscles, and slowed movement. Rasagiline (Azilect) is taken once a day and is available in a lower-cost generic form, but it can make you very sleepy.

Indications for Azilect

Parkinson's disease (PD)

Pros and Cons for Azilect

Pros

One of the first-choice options for PD, especially for movement problems
Can be used to treat early PD
Taken once a day
Available in a lower-cost, generic version

Cons

Can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome if taken with certain medications
Cannot eat foods with very large amounts of tyramine while taking rasagiline (Azilect), because it can raise your blood pressure
Not recommended if you have moderate-to-severe liver disease, because the medication can reach very high levels in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects

Common Side Effects for Azilect

Headache (14%)
Joint pain (7%)
Stomach upset (7%)
Depression (5%)
Flu symptoms (5%)
Falls (5%)

Note: Percentages are based on taking the medication alone

Warnings for Azilect

High blood pressure
Serotonin syndrome
Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
Low blood pressure
Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
High fevers and confusion

Prices with our coupons for Selegiline vs. Azilect

Selegiline30 tablets / 5mg

$20.56$66.87

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Rasagiline90 tablets / 1mg

$56.86$1,561.07

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Selegiline vs. Azilect

Selegiline

Rasagiline

Summary for Selegiline

Indications for Selegiline

Pros and Cons for Selegiline

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Selegiline

Warnings for Selegiline

Summary for Azilect

Indications for Azilect

Pros and Cons for Azilect

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Azilect

Warnings for Azilect

Prices with our coupons for Selegiline vs. Azilect

Browse medications by letter

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Selegiline

Rasagiline

Summary for Selegiline

Indications for Selegiline

Pros and Cons for Selegiline

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Selegiline

Warnings for Selegiline

Summary for Azilect

Indications for Azilect

Pros and Cons for Azilect

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Azilect

Warnings for Azilect