Brand Names

Fore Safe Use

When selegiline is taken at doses of 10 mg or less per day for the treat of Parkinson's disease, there are no restrictions on food or beverages you eat or drink. However, the risk exists that dangerous reactions, such as sudden high blood pressure, may occur if doses higher than those using for Parkinson's disease are taken with certain foods, beverages, or other medication. These foods, beverages and medication include:

• Foods that have a high tyramine content - most common in foods that are aged or fermented to increase their flavor, such as cheeses; fava or broad bean pods; yeast or meat extracts; smoked or pickled meat, poultry, or fish; fermented sausage - bologna, pepperoni, salami, summer sausage or other fermented meat; sauerkraut; or any overripe fruit. If a list of these foods and beverages is not given to you, ask your health care professional to provide one.
• Alcoholic beverages or alcohol-free or reduced-alcohol beer and wine.
• Large amounts of caffeine-containing food or beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate.
• Any other drug unless approved or prescribed by your family doctor. This especially includes nonprescription - over-the-counter "OTC " drug, such as that for colds - including nose drops or sprays, cough, asthma, hay fever and appetite control; “keep awake” products; or products that make you sleepy.

Always for at least 2 weeks after you stop taking this drug, these foods, beverages and other medication may continue to react with selegiline if it was taken in doses higher than those usually using for Parkinson's disease.

Check with your family doctor or hospital emergency room immediately if severe headache, stiff neck, chest pains, fast heartbeat, or nausea and vomiting occur while you are taking this drug. These may be symptoms of a serious side effect that must have a family doctor's attention.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your family doctor.

Selegiline may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your family doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the risk of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease and fungus infections.