Selegiline Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It
When you take selegiline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor used primarily for Parkinson’s disease and sometimes for depression. It’s known for helping with movement control and mood, but it’s not a gentle drug. Also known as L-deprenyl, it works by blocking enzymes that break down dopamine, which is why it helps people with Parkinson’s move better. But that same mechanism can cause serious side effects if you’re not careful.
Selegiline side effects aren’t rare—they’re common enough that doctors warn patients before prescribing it. You might feel dizzy, have trouble sleeping, or get dry mouth. But the big risks? High blood pressure from eating tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese, cured meats, or red wine. That’s not a myth—it’s a real danger called a hypertensive crisis. And if you’re on other meds like SSRIs, SNRIs, or even some cold medicines, mixing them with selegiline can lead to serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening spike in brain chemicals. People often don’t realize how many drugs interact with it until it’s too late.
It’s also not for everyone. If you have liver problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of heart issues, selegiline can make things worse. Older adults are especially sensitive to its effects on balance and cognition. And while the patch form (Emsam) is sometimes seen as safer because it avoids the gut, it still carries the same risks if you eat the wrong foods or take the wrong combo of meds. The key isn’t just knowing the side effects—it’s knowing how to avoid them.
What you’ll find below are real comparisons and patient-focused guides that break down exactly how selegiline stacks up against other Parkinson’s and depression treatments. You’ll see how its side effects compare to rasagiline, how diet changes can reduce risks, and why some people switch off it entirely. No fluff. Just facts you can use to talk to your doctor—or decide if it’s even the right choice for you.
