What it means
A monoamine oxidase inhibitor that slows the breakdown of dopamine in the brain. Tablets and dissolving tablets are added to levodopa in Parkinson diseasePAR-kin-sun dih-ZEEZA slowly worsening brain disease in which the nerve cells that help control movement die off.Full entry . The skin patch (Emsam) treats major depression. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, trouble sleeping and, with levodopa, extra unwanted movements.
For the nurse
Many drugs interact dangerously with it, including other antidepressants, meperidine, tramadol and some cold medicines, which can cause serotonin syndrome or a rise in blood pressure. At higher patch doses, foods high in tyramine (aged cheese, cured meats) must be avoided. The Emsam patch carries the antidepressant boxed warning about suicidal thoughts.
At a glance
| Drug class | monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor; antiparkinson agent; antidepressant (patch) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Eldepryl, Zelapar, Emsam |
| Spanish | selegilina |
| Also written | Eldepryl, Zelapar, Emsam |
Easy to confuse with
olanzapine
A second-generation antipsychotic drug used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Related terms
Parkinson disease
A slowly worsening brain disease in which the nerve cells that help control movement die off.
antidepressant
A drug used to treat depression and often anxiety, which works by changing the levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin.
dopamine
A natural brain chemical, also given as an IV drug that raises blood pressure and makes the heart pump harder.