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medication

Selegiline

Also known as: Deprenyl, Eldepryl

Chemical structure of Selegiline (PubChem CID 26757)
Structure via PubChem
Half-life
10 h
Typical timing
morning
Food rule
either
Default unit
mg

Studied for

Brain & CognitionLongevity

Overview

Selegiline, also known by its brand names Deprenyl and Eldepryl, is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and, in some formulations, for major depressive disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors. MAO-B is an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain. By inhibiting this enzyme, selegiline helps to increase and prolong the effects of dopamine, which is beneficial in conditions associated with dopamine deficiency. Selegiline was first synthesized in 1961. Its use in Parkinson's disease began after studies demonstrated its ability to enhance the effects of levodopa, a common Parkinson's medication. For depression, a transdermal patch formulation allows for different pharmacological effects due to altered metabolism and distribution compared to oral forms (FDA label). Oral selegiline is non-controlled, but dose is user-directed and must be set by a licensed clinician. The half-life of selegiline is approximately 10 hours, but its pharmacological effects can persist longer due to the irreversible inhibition of MAO-B, meaning new enzyme molecules must be synthesized to restore full MAO-B activity (DrugBank).

Deep dive

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Known interactions

  • Category rule: supplement × medication
    Note

    Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.

  • Category rule: vitamin × medication
    Note

    Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.

    Do not combine.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.

    Do not combine.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.

    Do not combine.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.

    Do not combine.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.

    Do not combine.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.

    Do not combine.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.

    Do not combine.

Sources referenced

* Cochrane Review * DrugBank * Examine.com * FDA label (specific product inserts for Eldepryl, Emsam) * Mayo Clinic * MedlinePlus * NIH NLM Bookshelf * PubChem

Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.

Related compounds

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Related benefits

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