What is Emsam
SelegilineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDeprenyl is a medication used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is an inhibitor of Type B monoamine oxidase and works by slowing the progression of the clinical disease and delaying the need for levodopa therapy. Deprenyl may also be prescribed in combination with levodopa when the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease become more severe.
Eldeprylis the brand name
Emsam Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Eldepryl
Selegiline
1989
29
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Selegiline, commonly known as Eldepryl, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses like Parkinson's Disease .Parkinson's Disease
Used in combination with other therapies
Effectiveness
How Emsam Affects PatientsDopamine is an important chemical found in various parts of the body. People with Parkinson's disease have too little dopamine because it breaks down too quickly. Selegiline helps to prevent the breakdown of dopamine by blocking an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO). It can also help keep more dopamine between nerve cells and make it easier for dopamine to be released from those cells.
How Emsam works in the bodySelegiline works by blocking an enzyme called monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B). This enzyme breaks down dopamine, which is important for controlling movement. By blocking MAO-B, selegiline helps increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, which can improve movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease. At higher doses, selegiline can also block monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A), which is helpful for treating depression.
When to interrupt dosage
The advocated dosage of Emsam is contingent upon the determined disorder, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression and Parkinson's Disease. The amount of dosage can be seen in the table below, relative to the mode of administration (e.g. Patch or Oral).Condition
Dosage
Administration
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
5.0 mg, 1.2 mg/hour, , 1.25 mg, 0.9 mg/hour, 0.6 mg/hour
Patch, Oral, Transdermal, , Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, Capsule - Oral, Patch - Transdermal, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Depression
5.0 mg, 1.2 mg/hour, , 1.25 mg, 0.9 mg/hour, 0.6 mg/hour
Patch, Oral, Transdermal, , Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, Capsule - Oral, Patch - Transdermal, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Parkinson's Disease
5.0 mg, 1.2 mg/hour, , 1.25 mg, 0.9 mg/hour, 0.6 mg/hour
Patch, Oral, Transdermal, , Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, Capsule - Oral, Patch - Transdermal, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Warnings
Emsam ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Pheochromocytomas
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
contraindicated drugs
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Common Emsam Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
4-Methoxyamphetamine
Major
Selegiline may increase the hypertensive activities of 4-Methoxyamphetamine.
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Major
The metabolism of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine can be decreased when combined with Selegiline.
7,8-Dichloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Selegiline is combined with 7,8-Dichloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.
Alaproclate
Major
Selegiline may increase the serotonergic activities of Alaproclate.
Almotriptan
Major
The metabolism of Almotriptan can be decreased when combined with Selegiline.
Emsam Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lethal dose of this drug for rats when administered intravenously is 63mg/kg.
Emsam Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Emsam?
308 active clinical trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Emsam in providing relief from Depression, Parkinson's Disease and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
89 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Depression
195 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Parkinson's Disease
45 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2
Emsam Reviews: What are patients saying about Emsam?
5Patient Review
10/18/2013 The 12mg dosage has worked for me; however, I am now being checked out for a fluid retention side effect. My legs have swollen from below my knees to the top of my feet.
5Patient Review
7/23/2020 This patch has been an incredible help for my short bowel syndrome. I was struggling for over three years before finally trying this, and it's made such a difference in my quality of life.
5Patient Review
6/11/2014 After trying a 6mg dosage and seeing no results, I upped it to 9mg. This completely changed my life for the better and saved me from suicidal thoughts.
5Patient Review
5/16/2019 Emsam has been an amazing medication for me. I feel like myself again, full of energy and social confidence. This is the first SSRI that has ever worked for me, and at such a low dose too!
4.7Patient Review
11/10/2017 This treatment has been extremely effective for me and has overall improved my quality of life. The only downsides are that it's caused insomnia and a low sex drive, but I'm still very satisfied with it.
4.3Patient Review
3/28/2012 I started using on December 8th and stopped by July 11th. The depression came back due to stress, but I may restart use. This drug has some sexual side effects that were a little concerning, but overall it helped more than it hurt.
4.3Patient Review
7/28/2015 I began using the patch (6 mg) six weeks ago and it seems to be working; however, I have developed tingling in my hands and feet as well as some light itching. I'm not sure if these side effects will eventually go away or not. Has anyone else experienced this? Also, if I need to increase the dosage, am I likely to experience more severe side effects?
4.3Patient Review
7/26/2013 I've been living with bi-polar 2 and personality disorder for the last 30 years, and I've tried every treatment under the sun. This was my last resort before electroconvulsive therapy. I take 6mg of lithium and 600mg of another medication. I started by applying it to my arms, then moved to my chest area—which worked much better. There was a noticeable change after using this product.
3.3Patient Review
6/6/2013 I'm wondering if anyone else is still using Emsam 6mg. The last post I saw was from 8/17/12.
3Patient Review
3/9/2022 I felt much better after taking this, but unfortunately it also gave me nausea and gas. My anxiety came back later on, and the patch didn't help at all. I ended up switching to a different medication.
1Patient Review
12/25/2018 The EMSAM patch caused horrible side effects like paranoia, mania, aggression, and insomnia. It also didn't do much to help my depression. Ultimately, it cost me my marriage.
Patient Q&A Section about emsam
Is Emsam good for anxiety?
"However, it did take some getting used to, and when I first started using it I had to keep an eye on my skin to be sure it did not get too dry. Overall, it was a great help and I would recommend it to others.”
EMSAM was a great help for my depression and anxiety. I had to get used to it a bit, and when I first started using it I kept an eye on my skin to make sure it didn't get too dry. Overall it was a big help, and I would recommend it to others." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is Emsam used to treat?
"Emsam (selegiline) is a patch that is applied to the skin once daily. It is used to treat depression in adults and is a good option for people who can't or don't want to take medications by mouth." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is Emsam still available?
"There is no version of Emsam currently available in the United States that is therapeutically equivalent. Note: Fraudulent online pharmacies may attempt to sell an illegal generic version of Emsam. These medications may be counterfeit and potentially unsafe." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer