Selgin (Selegiline) is used to help control the symptoms of Parkinson`s disease (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance) in people who are taking levodopa and carbidopa combination. The active ingredient in Selgin is Selegiline. Selgin is in a group of medications called monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine (a natural substance that is needed to control movement) in the brain. Selegiline is used alone or in combination with Levodopa and Carbidopa to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance). Selgin should be taken orally. Patients may be directed to take Selgin twice daily. In order to avoid difficulty sleeping, patients are often directed to take Selgin at breakfast and lunchtime. The standard maximum dosage is 5mg twice per day. Patients should always consult their physician before taking this drug, and never exceed the dosage prescribed to them. If your physician has directed you to take Selgin together with another drug to treat Parkinson`s disease, such as levodopa, you may be instructed to decrease your dosage of Levodopa after you have been taking selegiline for 2 to 3 days. Patients should be aware that it may take a few weeks for the full effects and benefits of Selgin to be noticed. You should never discontinue taking this drug unless you have been directed to do so by your physician. Selgin may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, heartburn or dry mouth. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue or become bothersome, inform your physician. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Infrequently, Selgin may increase the skin`s sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. Selgin can cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days of therapy. Avoid tasks requiring alertness if you experience these effects. Selgin should not be used with the certain other medicines, as a serious reaction may occur. Inform your physician of all medicine you are taking before the commencement of treatment. Consult your physician about the need to watch your intake of foods containing tyramine. It is possible consuming tyramine- containing foods while using Selgin could cause headache and/or increased blood pressure and could lead to a medical emergency. Tyramine food precautions should be observed for at least 2 weeks after you stop using Selgin.
