Selegiline – What It Is and Why You Might Need It

Selegiline is a prescription drug most people hear about in two contexts: as a treatment for Parkinson's disease and as an add‑on for depression. It belongs to a class called MAO‑B inhibitors, which means it blocks an enzyme (monoamine oxidase B) that breaks down dopamine in the brain. More dopamine can help smooth out motor symptoms in Parkinson’s and boost mood in some depressive cases.

If your doctor mentioned Selegiline, they probably did so because you need extra dopamine support without the stronger MAO‑A inhibition that can cause dietary restrictions. That makes Selegiline a relatively low‑risk option compared to older MAO inhibitors.

How to Take Selegiline – Dosage and Formulas

Selegiline comes in tablets (usually 5 mg or 10 mg) and a transdermal patch (often 6 mg/24 h). For Parkinson’s, doctors usually start you at 5 mg a day and may raise it to 10 mg if needed. The patch is an alternative for people who have trouble swallowing pills; you stick it on a clean, dry skin area and replace it every 24 hours.

When it’s used for depression, the dose is lower – often 5 mg once daily, sometimes split into two doses. Always follow your prescriber’s exact schedule; taking more than prescribed can increase the risk of high blood pressure spikes.

Side Effects, Interactions, and Safety Tips

Most people tolerate Selegiline well, but watch for these common side effects: headache, nausea, dizziness, or insomnia. A less common but serious reaction is hypertensive crisis – a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure. This usually happens if you combine Selegiline with certain foods or drugs that also raise serotonin or norepinephrine levels.

Things to avoid while on Selegiline include aged cheeses, cured meats, soy sauce, and fermented products if you’re on higher doses that affect MAO‑A. Over‑the‑counter cold medicines, some antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and certain pain relievers can also interact. If you need another medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor to double‑check compatibility.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use Selegiline if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Kids rarely get this drug, but when they do (usually for rare movement disorders), the dose is carefully calculated by weight.

Buying Selegiline Safely Online

When you need to refill Selegiline, look for a licensed online pharmacy that requires a valid prescription. Check for a physical address, a pharmacist’s contact info, and accreditation logos like VIPPS or the local health authority. Avoid sites that promise “no prescription needed” – those are usually scams and could ship counterfeit pills.

Compare prices, but don’t pick the cheapest option if the pharmacy’s credentials are unclear. Some reputable Canadian or European pharmacies ship to the U.S. and other countries, but they’ll still ask for a prescription copy. Keep a record of your order confirmation and batch number in case you need to verify the medication later.

Finally, store Selegiline tablets in a cool, dry place and keep the patch away from heat. If you notice a change in color, smell, or tablet shape, contact your pharmacist before using it.

Selegiline can be a game‑changer for Parkinson’s symptoms and certain depression cases, but it works best when you stick to the prescribed dose, watch for interactions, and get it from a trustworthy source. Talk to your doctor about any concerns, and you’ll be on the right track to manage your condition safely.