Emsam Signs, Symptoms and Side Effects

Emsam (Selegiline) Signs, Symptoms, and Side Effects

Depression can be managed in patients through exercise, therapy, prescriptions or a combination thereof. Antidepressants designed to treat these disorders are divided into four separate groups, which take different routes to help relieve depression in a patient. The antidepressant prescription groups are:

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
2. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
3. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
4. Tricyclic antidepressants

Emsam is an antidepressant medication in the MAOI group.

Signs Symptoms and Side Effects of Emsam (Selegiline) Abuse

Misusing selegiline or taking a different amount than prescribed can lead to serious side effects. Since MAOIs affect brain chemistry, not following the doctor’s recommendations will make it more likely for the patient to suffer severe side effects. In addition to the risk of typical side effects, misusing selegiline can result in faintness, irritability, hyperactivity, severe headache, hallucinations, convulsions, coma, irregular pulse, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory depression or failure, hyperpyrexia, diaphoresis, or clammy skin.

It is important you work with your doctor and follow their instructions closely while taking this prescription. Your doctor is there to help.

What Is Emsam (Selegiline)?

Emsam, the brand name for the prescription selegiline, is a transdermal (skin) patch used to treat depression. It’s the only antidepressant that delivers its medicating effectiveness through a patch system. The patch has to be replaced on the skin at the same time each day for maximum results.

Selegiline is also taken in pill form to treat people with Parkinson’s Disease.

As mentioned, selegiline is listed as an MAOI, which means it alters the neurochemicals in the brain and changes the way they communicate with one another. These changes alleviate depressive thoughts. Selegiline should be taken in gradual doses over time to lessen the likelihood of side effects. It is also imperative that patients prescription follow their doctor’s recommendations for dietary restrictions because foods with tyramine can cause serious adverse reactions.

Possible side effects for Emsam may include:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• redness/irritation at the application site
• tiredness
• weakness
• problems sleeping
• constipation
• dry mouth

Keep your doctor informed of any side effects you may be feeling. More serious side effects can occur and would require immediate attention, including fainting, mood changes, muscle stiffness, changes in sexual ability or interest, shaking, shivering, swollen ankles and legs, weight gain/loss, eye pain or vision changes, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, seizures, dark urine or signs of jaundice.

Emsam (Selegiline) Addiction

Although Emsam isn’t listed specifically as a psychologically addictive prescription, it does affect chemicals in your brain. As with any medication that alters your body, stopping the treatment plan for this antidepressant can be challenging. To lessen the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms from selegiline, your doctor will wean you off the medication slowly. Do not abruptly stop taking Emsam (selegiline) or any other antidepressant.

Emsam (Selegiline) Long-Term Effects

Emsam (selegiline) in its patch form is easier on the liver. Since the medication is processed through the liver, please inform your doctor if you have any liver issues prior to taking selegiline. Additionally, MAOIs can have side effects that affect the heart, so inform your doctor of your complete medical history to avoid any long-term effects from this prescription.

If you feel you or a loved one is misusing Emsam and is struggling, don’t wait to get help. Go online to www.TheRecoveryVillage.com or call 24/7 to our toll-free hotline at 855-548-9825 to learn more about the road to recovery. We can help you overcome your addiction today.