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Selegiline Coupon - Selegiline 5mg tablet

selegiline

Generic Zelapar
Used for Parkinson's Disease
Used for Parkinson's Disease

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.

Last reviewed on October 24, 2024
basics-icon

What is Selegiline?

What is Selegiline used for?

How Selegiline works

Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor. MAO-B is the main protein that breaks down dopamine in the brain. Low levels of dopamine lead to symptoms like movement (motor) problems in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).

By blocking MAO-B, selegiline keeps dopamine in the brain longer. This helps control the motor symptoms of PD. In particular, selegiline is taken to prevent motor symptoms from coming back when people's carbidopa/levodopa starts to wear off (a period of time that's also called an "off" episode).

Are you looking for information on Emsam (selegiline patch) for depression instead?
When does Selegiline start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsZelapar
Drug ClassMAO-B inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$132.80(save 72.43%)
GoodRx discount
$36.62
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What are the side effects of Selegiline?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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)

Other Side Effects

Selegiline tablets and capsules:
  • Headache
  • Involuntary movements
  • Vivid dreams
  • Trouble sleeping
Zelapar (selegine) ODTs:
  • Muscle aches
  • Tremor or shaking
  • Poor coordination
  • Sleepiness
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rash
  • Hallucinations
  • High blood pressure

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Extreme drowsiness or falling asleep without warning
  • Extremely high blood pressure: seizure, chest pain, severe headache, confusion, blurred vision, anxiety, trouble breathing
  • Serotonin syndrome: hallucinations, seizure, confusion, restlessness, shivering, sweating, high fever, headache, racing heart, muscle stiffness or twitching, tremor
  • Impulse-control behavior: intense urges (e.g., gambling, shopping, binge eating, engaging in sexual activity)
  • Serious withdrawal symptoms (neuroleptic malignant syndrome): high fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, fast or irregular heartbeat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Twitching, twisting, uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs

Less common

Blurred vision

bruising

chest pain

convulsions

decreased urine

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty with swallowing

discouragement

dizziness

dry mouth

feeling sad or empty

headache

increased thirst

irregular heartbeat

irritability

large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin

loss of appetite

loss of interest or pleasure

mood changes

muscle pain or cramps

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

pounding in the ears

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

shakiness and unsteady walk

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

slow or fast heartbeat

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

tightness in the chest

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Agitation

diarrhea

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fever

overactive reflexes

poor coordination

restlessness

shivering

sweating

talking or acting with excitement you cannot control

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Agitation

chest pain

difficulty opening the mouth or lockjaw

dizziness (severe) or fainting

fast or irregular pulse (continuing)

high fever

high or low blood pressure

severe spasm where the head and heels are bent backward and the body arched forward

troubled breathing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Dry skin

hives, itching, or skin rash

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

runny nose

sneezing

stuffy nose

trouble sleeping

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

back pain

belching

bloated or full feeling

body aches or pain

congestion

cough

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

difficulty with moving

dryness or soreness of the throat

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

heartburn

hoarseness

indigestion

joint pain

leg cramps

muscle aching or cramping

muscle pains or stiffness

passing gas

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

swollen joints

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tooth problems

voice changes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Selegiline

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Selegiline

pharmacist
  • You'll typically take selegiline along with carbidopa/levodopa to help manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease. As treatment goes on, your prescriber might adjust the dose of your medications to find the balance between managing symptoms and side effects. Take selegiline and carbidopa/levodopa as prescribed.

    • Selegiline can have side effects like sudden sleepiness, dizziness, and difficulty controlling your body's movements (dyskinesia). Don't drive or and do other things that require concentration until you know how this medication affects you. Also avoid doing these activities if you feel sleepy. Let your prescriber know if any side effects bother you too much. They might adjust the dose of your medications.

      • It's best to avoid alcohol while you're taking selegiline. Alcohol can worsen side effects like sleepiness and dizziness, which can lead to harmful consequences.

        • Don't change your dose or stop taking selegiline without talking to your prescriber first. Otherwise, it might lead to serious withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, depression, stiff muscles, high fever, and confusion. Follow your prescriber's instructions to lower your dose slowly over time to safely stop the medication.

          • Don't remove the Zelapar (selegiline) ODT from the blister pack until you're ready to take your dose. And don't push the ODT through the foil backing to take it out. Gently peel back the foil on the blister pack with dry hands to take out an ODT.

            • Take Zelapar (selegiline) ODT in the morning before breakfast and without any liquid. Place the ODT on your tongue with dry hands; it will dissolve on its own. Avoid drinking any liquids or eating food for 5 minutes before and after you take the medication.

              • Since Zelapar (selegiline) ODT gets dissolved on your tongue, you might feel pain when you swallow or pain in the mouth. You also might have reddening around or inside your mouth, throat swelling, or mouth sores. Let your prescriber know if you experience these side effects and if they're bothersome.

                • Store the Zelapar (selegiline) ODTs in their original pouch at all times. The medication is only good for 3 months after you open the pouch. Throw away any tablets that are left in the opened pouch after 3 months.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Selegiline

                  Does selegiline interact with magnesium supplements?
                  No. There's no evidence that selegiline interacts with magnesium in food or in supplements. Ask your prescriber if you have more questions about selegiline interactions with supplements.
                  How long does selegiline take to work?
                  Studies show that people who take selegiline for Parkinson's disease generally have improvements within a few weeks of starting treatment. But it can take several months to see the full effects of the medication. Keep in mind that each person can have a different experience with treatment. Talk to your prescriber if you're concerned with how well or how quickly selegiline is working for you.
                  Is selegiline a dopamine agonist?
                  No, selegiline isn't considered a dopamine agonist. Instead, it's a type of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Both dopamine agonists and MAOIs help treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease by raising the activity of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. But they do so in different ways.
                  Is selegiline an antidepressant?
                  It depends on the dose. At low dosages, selegiline works to help treat movement-related symptoms of Parkinson's disease, not improve mood. Selegiline tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets have low doses of the medication. So these forms of selegiline aren't considered antidepressants. But at higher dosages, selegiline works to improve mood and treat symptoms of depression. Selegiline patches found under the brand name Emsam deliver a higher dose of the medication than the oral forms and are used for depression. In this case, the selegiline patches work as an antidepressant.
                  Is selegiline a stimulant?
                  No, selegiline isn't a stimulant; it's a type of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Stimulants and MAOIs are similar drug classes in that they both raise levels of chemicals, like dopamine, in the brain. But they're used to treat different conditions. Stimulants are typically used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy (extreme sleepiness and random sleep attacks during the day). But MAOIs are used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and depression.
                  Is selegiline a controlled substance?
                  No. Selegiline isn't a controlled substance because it doesn't have a risk of addiction or dependence.
                  Does selegiline cause hair loss?
                  Hair loss wasn't commonly reported by people who took selegiline during clinical studies. Contact your prescriber if you notice unusual hair loss. They can help figure out what might be the cause.
                  What's the difference between selegiline and rasagiline?
                  Both selegiline and rasagiline (Azilect) are MAOIs that are quite similar to each other. They both help with Parkinson's disease (PD). In fact, studies suggest that both medications work just as well as each other for PD. Selegiline and rasagiline (Azilect) both come as oral pills that are swallowed. But selegiline also comes as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that dissolves on the tongue, which can be helpful for people who have trouble swallowing pills. In addition, the two medications have different drug interactions. Ask your prescriber if you have questions about comparing between the two medications.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Selegiline?

                  Selegiline can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  High blood pressure

                  • Risk factors: Eating foods that are rich in tyramine | Taking higher-than-recommended doses of selegiline

                    Selegiline can cause or worsen high blood pressure, especially if you take more than 10 mg of the tablets or capsules per day, or 2.5 mg of the ODT per day. Make sure to take selegiline only as prescribed.

                    Although rare, people who've eaten tyramine-rich foods, like aged cheese, cured meats, soy sauce, and pickled or fermented food, while they're taking prescribed doses of selegiline have also had dangerously high blood pressure. This can cause severe headache, chest pain, confusion, blurred vision, and anxiety. Stop taking selegiline and call 911 right away if you have any symptoms of extremely high blood pressure. Let your prescriber know if you check your blood pressure regularly and it's consistently higher than usual.

                    risk-warning

                    Serotonin syndrome

                    • Risk factors: Taking antidepressants | Taking other medications that can affect serotonin

                      Some people taking selegiline with other medications that raise your serotonin levels, such as antidepressants and certain mental health medications, have developed a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Let your prescribers know about all your medications so they can make sure it's safe for you to take your medications together. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion.

                      risk-warning

                      Extreme sleepiness and falling asleep during activities

                      • Risk factors: History of drowsiness | History of sleep problems | Taking sedatives or medications that make you drowsy | Age 65 years and older

                        People who take medications that raise dopamine levels, such as selegiline, have fallen asleep out of nowhere, even when they don't feel sleepy. The risk for these episodes of extreme sleepiness is higher if you're also taking other medications that can make you drowsy, such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and other sedatives.

                        Make sure you know how selegiline affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Avoid doing these things if you've fallen asleep without warning during treatment. Talk to your prescriber if you feel too sleepy from selegiline or have fallen asleep all of a sudden while you're taking the medication.

                        risk-warning

                        Low blood pressure and risk of falls

                        • Risk factors: Low blood pressure | Taking medications that lower blood pressure | After the selegiline dose gets raised | Age 65 years and older

                          It's possible for selegiline to drop your blood pressure. In particular, your blood pressure can get low when you stand from a sitting or lying position. This can cause dizziness or a loss of balance, which can lead to falls. Make sure to get up slowly and hold onto something after sitting or lying down. Contact your prescriber if you've felt lightheaded, fainted, or experienced a fall while you're taking selegiline.

                          risk-warning

                          Difficulty controlling body movements

                          • Risk factors: Taking medications containing levodopa

                            Selegiline can cause or worsen uncontrolled body movements, such as eye-twitching or lip-smacking. Talk to your prescriber right away if you experience any uncontrolled movements while you're taking this medication and you can't stop them. Your prescriber might adjust the dose of your medication(s) to help manage this side effect.

                            risk-warning

                            Hallucinations and behavior changes

                            • Risk factors: History of mental health problems (e.g., psychosis)

                              Some people who took selegiline had hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there). Some also felt distressed, confused, or paranoid or had violent behavior. It's generally not recommended for people with a history of mental health problems to take selegiline because the medication might worsen their condition. Contact your prescriber right away if you or your loved ones notice that you have any hallucinations or other unusual changes in behavior while you're taking selegiline.

                              risk-warning

                              Intense urges

                              Some people can have compulsive behavior, or intense urges and behaviors that are hard to control, while they're taking medications for Parkinson's disease like selegiline. These intense urges have included gambling, sexual urges, shopping, or excessive eating. Let your prescriber know if you or your loved ones notice that you have new urges or habits as you're taking selegiline. Your prescriber might need to adjust or stop your medication.

                              risk-warning

                              Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - Zelapar ODTs only

                              Let your healthcare team know if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic condition that makes your body have trouble breaking down phenylalanine.

                              Zelapar, the orally disintegrating tablet of selegiline contains phenylalanine. People with PKU should avoid taking Zelapar (selegiline) because it can be harmful for them. Ask your prescriber about options for PD treatment that might be safer for you.

                              dosage

                              Selegiline dosage forms

                              The average cost for 60 tablets of 5mg of Selegiline is $36.62 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 72.43% off the average retail price of $132.80.
                              capsule
                              Capsule
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              5mg60 capsules$39.38$0.66
                              tablet
                              Tablet
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              5mg60 tablets$36.62$0.61

                              Typical dosing for Selegiline

                              • Selegiline tablets and capsules: The typical dose is 5 mg by mouth at breakfast and 5 mg at lunch. After 2 to 3 days of taking selegiline, your prescriber might lower the dose of your carbidopa/levodopa medication, depending on how well selegiline works to manage your PD symptoms.

                              • Zelapar (selegiline) orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs): The typical starting dose is 1.25 mg dissolved on the tongue before breakfast once per day for at least 6 weeks. If needed, the dose can be raised to 2.5 mg taken before breakfast once per day. Your dose might differ if you have liver problems.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Selegiline and other drugs

                              Selegiline may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Selegiline. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                              How much does Selegiline cost?

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                              contraindications-icon

                              Selegiline contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Selegiline will not be safe for you to take.
                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Selegiline?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Selegiline. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Selegiline
                              Used for:
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                              • Parkinson's disease (PD)

                              $66.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                              latest news

                              What is the latest news about Selegiline?

                              images

                              Selegiline images

                              White Shield S And 5 - Selegiline Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Shield Tablet Imprinted With "S" And "5".White Shield S And 5 - Selegiline Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                              White Round Se 5 And G - Selegiline Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Se 5" And "G".White Round Se 5 And G - Selegiline Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                              White Round Logo And 3438 - Selegiline Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "3438" And "Logo".White Round Logo And 3438 - Selegiline Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                              White Oval Ce 165 - Selegiline Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Ce 165".White Oval Ce 165 - Selegiline Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet

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                              References

                              Best studies we found
                              View All References (9)

                              Chartwell RX, LLC. (2024). Selegiline hydrochloride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Jost, W. H. (2022). A critical appraisal of MAO-B inhibitors in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Neural Transmission.

                              Koschel, J., et al. (2022). Implications of dopaminergic medication withdrawal in Parkinson's disease. Journal of Neural Transmission.

                              Laban, T. S., et al. (2023). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI). StatPearls.

                              MedlinePlus. (2023). Phenylketonuria.

                              Moore, J. J., et al. (2023). Selegiline. StatPearls.

                              Parkinson’s Foundation. (n.d.). Managing “off” time in Parkinson’s.

                              Spears, C., et al. (n.d.). Levodopa. Parkinson’s Foundation.

                              Weiss, H. D., et al.  (2012). Impulse control disorders and compulsive behaviors associated with dopaminergic therapies in Parkinson disease. Neurology Clinical Practice.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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