Compare Selegiline vs. Azilect
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- SelegilineRasagiline (Azilect)
- SelegilineRasagiline (Azilect)
Summary of Selegiline vs. Azilect
Summary for MAO-B inhibitorPrescription onlySelegiline 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.
Summary for MAO-B inhibitorPrescription onlyRasagiline (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 of Selegiline vs. Azilect
Indications for•Relief of "off" episodes in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) who are taking a carbidopa/levodopa medicationIndications for•Parkinson's disease (PD)Pros and Cons of Selegiline vs. Azilect
Pros and Const for MAO-B inhibitorPros•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 medicationCons•Doesn't work well when you take it by itself; must take in addition to a carbidopa/levodopa medication•Commonly causes nausea and dizzinessPros and Const for MAO-B inhibitorPros•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 versionCons•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 effectsCommon Side Effects of Selegiline vs. Azilect
Common Side Effects forSelegiline 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)Common Side Effects for•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 of Selegiline vs. Azilect
Common Side Effects for•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 onlyCommon Side Effects for•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 confusionPrices with our coupons for Selegiline vs. Azilect
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