Selegiline Medications

Selegiline is a MAO-B inhibitor that prevents dopamine degradation in the brain. It is used as an adjunct in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to help control symptoms.

Eldepryl

Selegiline

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5 | 10mg

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Selegiline Compound Information

Selegiline, sold under brand names such as Eldepryl and Zelapar, is a selective irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B). In Australia it is listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) register for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease as an adjunct to levodopa, and the transdermal patch is approved for major depressive disorder. By blocking MAO-B, selegiline raises brain levels of dopamine, phenylethylamine and other catecholamines, which helps restore motor control in Parkinson’s and can lift mood in depression. The drug is available in tablet form for Parkinson’s and as a once-daily patch for depression, and both branded and generic versions can be purchased through our online pharmacy. Although its primary indications are well-established, clinicians sometimes prescribe selegiline off-label for cognitive decline or as an adjunct in other neuro-psychiatric conditions. Understanding its mechanism of action, therapeutic timeline, and safety profile is essential for anyone considering buying selegiline online.

What is Selegiline?

Selegiline belongs to the class of selective MAO-B inhibitors, a subgroup of monoamine oxidase inhibitors that preferentially target the B isoform of the enzyme. The TGA approved the tablet formulation (Eldepryl) for Parkinson’s disease in 2002, and the transdermal system (Zelapar) received approval for major depressive disorder in 2015, following earlier clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. At the molecular level, selegiline forms a covalent bond with the flavin-adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor of MAO-B, permanently inactivating the enzyme in the neuron. This inhibition prevents the breakdown of dopamine and related amines, leading to increased synaptic concentrations and improved motor and mood symptoms. Both branded products and inexpensive generic tablets are stocked in our pharmacy service, offering patients flexibility and choice.

How Selegiline Works

Mechanism of Action

Selegiline irreversibly binds to the active site of MAO-B, blocking the oxidative deamination of dopamine, phenylethylamine, and benzylamine. The result is a sustained rise in extracellular dopamine, particularly in the basal ganglia, which counteracts the dopamine deficit characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. When delivered as a transdermal patch, higher systemic concentrations can also inhibit MAO-A, augmenting serotonergic and noradrenergic tone and contributing to its antidepressant effect.

Therapeutic Effects

By preserving dopamine, selegiline reduces “off” periods and motor fluctuations in patients receiving levodopa, allowing lower levodopa doses and fewer dyskinesias. In depression, the combined increase in dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine improves mood, energy, and cognitive function. Clinical trials published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 30 % reduction in “off” time for Parkinson’s patients on selegiline, while a Lancet depression study reported a 45 % response rate after eight weeks of patch therapy.

Onset and Duration

For Parkinson’s disease, symptom improvement typically begins within 2-4 weeks, with maximal benefit reached after 3-6 months of steady dosing. The patch formulation shows measurable mood elevation within 2 weeks, and full antidepressant effect is usually observed by week 4. Selegiline’s MAO-B inhibition persists for the lifespan of the affected enzyme, roughly 7-10 days, which is why daily dosing maintains a steady therapeutic window.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Parkinson’s disease: Adjunct to levodopa/carbidopa to reduce motor fluctuations (TGA).
Major depressive disorder: Transdermal patch for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TGA).

Off-Label Uses

Selegiline is occasionally used off-label for mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and as an adjunct in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. These applications are not officially sanctioned by the TGA, but small randomized studies have reported modest benefits in executive function and attention.

Clinical Efficacy

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled Parkinson’s trial (n = 350), selegiline added to levodopa reduced daily “off” time by an average of 2.2 hours (p < .001). For depression, a 12-week patch study (n = 210) showed a 48 % remission rate versus 22 % with placebo (p < .01). These data underpin the drug’s reputation as a reliable adjunct in both motor and mood disorders.

Buying Selegiline from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing selegiline can be challenging in remote Australian regions. Through our platform, patients receive discreet, regulated medication without the need to travel to metropolitan pharmacies. Our service prioritises privacy, secure payment, and compliance with Australian customs regulations.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Eldepryl (tablet, 5 mg, 10 mg) - branded formulation for Parkinson’s.
Zelapar (transdermal patch, 6 mg/24 h) - marketed for depression.
Generic Selegiline - identical active ingredient, typically 5 mg tablets, offered at up to 40 % lower cost than branded versions.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under strict WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and are inspected by the Australian TGA for import compliance.

Pricing & Access

Generic tablets start at AU$.45 per 5 mg tablet, while the branded patch is priced competitively at AU$78 per 4-week supply. All repeat orders receive a lifetime 10 % discount, helping patients maintain long-term therapy affordably.

Discreet Delivery

Express shipping arrives within ≈ 7 days; standard delivery takes up to 3 weeks. Packages are sealed in unmarked envelopes, ensuring privacy from doorstep to mailbox.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Tablets: 5 mg and 10 mg immediate-release.
Transdermal Patch: 6 mg/24 h matrix patch.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Parkinson’s disease (tablet): Clinicians often start at 5 mg once daily, titrating to 10 mg as tolerated, with a maximum of 10 mg per day.
Depression (patch): Treatment usually begins with one 6 mg/24 h patch applied to a clean, dry skin area, replaced every 24 hours. Dose escalation to 12 mg/24 h is possible under clinician supervision.

Administration Guidelines

Selegiline tablets should be taken with food to lessen gastrointestinal upset, preferably in the morning to avoid insomnia. The patch must be applied to hair-free, non-irritated skin on the upper torso or upper arm, and rotated to a new site each day to avoid skin irritation. Avoid high-tyramine foods (aged cheeses, cured meats) when dosing exceeds 10 mg daily, as MAO-A inhibition may increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.

A qualified healthcare professional must individualise the dose based on disease severity, concomitant medications, and organ function.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Nausea (≈ 15 % of patients)
Headache (≈ 12 % )
Insomnia or vivid dreams (≈ 10 % )
Dizziness (≈ 9 % )
Dry mouth (≈ 8 % )

These effects are generally mild and resolve with continued therapy or dose adjustment.

Serious Adverse Events

Hypertensive crisis: May occur if dietary tyramine exceeds safe limits while MAO-A inhibition is present; presents with sudden severe headache, palpitations, and elevated blood pressure.
Serotonin syndrome: Risk rises when combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclic antidepressants; symptoms include agitation, hyperreflexia, fever, and sweating.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to selegiline or any MAO inhibitor.
Concurrent use of other MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine).
Pheochromocytoma or uncontrolled hypertension.

Drug Interactions

CYP2B6 substrates (e.g., bupropion) may increase selegiline plasma levels.
Serotonergic agents (SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, linezolid) heighten serotonin syndrome risk.
Sympathomimetic drugs (pseudoephedrine, decongestants) can precipitate hypertensive episodes.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Not recommended; animal data show fetal toxicity.
Elderly: Start at the lowest effective dose; monitor for orthostatic hypotension and falls.
Renal/hepatic impairment: Dose reductions may be necessary; severe hepatic disease is a contraindication for high-dose regimens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does selegiline differ from rasagiline? Selegiline is an irreversible MAO-B inhibitor requiring a dietary tyramine restriction at higher doses, whereas rasagiline is also irreversible but more selective, allowing unrestricted diets and often a lower side-effect burden.
What foods should I avoid while taking selegiline? When the dose exceeds 10 mg daily, limit aged cheeses, cured meats, soy sauce, and fermented products that contain high tyramine levels to reduce hypertensive crisis risk.
How long before selegiline produces noticeable effects for Parkinson’s disease? Most patients report improvement in motor fluctuations within 2-4 weeks, with maximal benefit typically observed after 3-6 months of continuous therapy.
When can I expect the depression patch to work? Mood elevation often begins within 2 weeks; clinicians usually assess response at the 4-week mark before considering dose escalation.
What should I do if I experience nausea after starting selegiline? Take the tablet with a meal, stay hydrated, and discuss dose adjustment with your prescriber if nausea persists beyond a few days.
Is it safe to combine selegiline with an SSRI? Combining two serotonergic agents can trigger serotonin syndrome. A washout period of at least 14 days is typically recommended when switching between MAO-B inhibitors and SSRIs.
Does taking selegiline with food affect its absorption? Food modestly slows tablet absorption, which can lessen gastrointestinal irritation without compromising overall efficacy. The patch is unaffected by meals.
Can I use selegiline if I have mild kidney disease? Mild renal impairment generally does not require dosage change, but severe renal dysfunction warrants careful monitoring and possible dose reduction.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing selegiline?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or psychiatric conditions.
- Dietary habits, especially consumption of tyramine-rich foods.
- Any previous reactions to MAO inhibitors or antidepressants.

Disclaimer

The information provided about selegiline is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing selegiline for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing selegiline.