Emsam
Generic name:selegiline (transdermal) [ se-LE-ji-leen ]
Drug classes:Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 18, 2022.
What is Emsam?
Emsam prevents the breakdown of chemicals in the brain that are often imbalanced in people with depression.
Emsam transdermal patches are used to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old.
Emsam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use an Emsam patch if you have an adrenal gland tumor or if you are using certain other medicines. Many drugs can interact with selegiline, and some drugs should not be used together.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first using an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Emsam patches. You will need to stop using the patches for at least 10 days before a planned surgery. Do not stop using Emsam without first talking to your doctor. While using the 9-mg or 12-mg patches, do not drink alcohol or eat foods that are high in tyramine, listed in the "What should I avoid while using Emsam?" section of this leaflet. Eating tyramine while you are using selegiline can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels and cause life-threatening symptoms.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Emsam if you are allergic to selegiline, or if you have pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with selegiline. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you have used any of the following drugs within the past 2 to 5 weeks:
dextromethorphan (cough medicine);
meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, or tramadol; or
certain antidepressants--citalopram, clomipramine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, fluoxetine, imipramine, milnacipran, pa...
