
Precautions
What is Emsam?
How should I use Emsam?
What other drugs will affect Emsam?
What to do if emsam patch falls off?
How long does it take for Emsam to come off?
How long after taking selegiline can you breastfeed?
How long should you stop using Emsam before surgery?
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How do you use Emsam?
Apply the Emsam patch to clean, dry, and hairless skin on your chest, back, thigh, or the outer part of your upper arm. Press the patch firmly into place. You may leave the patch on while bathing, showering, or swimming. Remove the skin patch after 24 hours and replace it with a new one.
Does Emsam patch cause weight gain?
Weight Changes In placebo-controlled studies (6 to 8 weeks), the incidence of patients who experienced at least 5% weight gain or weight loss is shown in Table 4. In these trials, the mean change in body weight among EMSAM-treated patients was a 1.2 lbs loss compared to 0.3 lbs gain in placebo-treated patients.
How long does it take the Emsam patch to work?
It may take up to 12 hours before you have these symptoms, and they may be worse 24 to 48 hours after you apply your EMSAM patch. What should I avoid while using EMSAM?
Is Emsam good for anxiety?
Although Emsam (selegiline) patch can help improve your mood and behavior with depression, it isn't approved to treat anxiety. Speak with your provider if you have anxiety so they can recommend the right medication for you.
What are the side effects of Emsam?
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion), muscle stiffness/twitching, changes in sexual ability/interest, shaking (tremor), shivering, swollen ankles/legs, unusual weight gain/loss, eye ...
Does Emsam cause insomnia?
Common side effects of Emsam include: application site reaction and insomnia. Other side effects include: skin rash, weight loss, and orthostatic hypotension.
Does Emsam increase dopamine?
Oral Emsam, taken in pill form, is prescribed to patients with Parkinson's disease to mitigate the severity of symptoms by boosting dopamine production.
Does selegiline help with anxiety?
Selegiline, a monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor, has been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Some reports have shown that oral Selegiline treatment may be effective in treating depression. The drug has also been effective for depressive and anxiety symptoms in people living with Parkinson's disease.
Does Emsam cause high blood pressure?
Side Effects of Emsam Emsam can cause a sudden, large increase in blood pressure (''hypertensive crisis'') if you eat certain foods and drinks during treatment. See “Drug Precautions”. A hypertensive crisis can lead to stroke and death.
Does Emsam cause insomnia?
Common side effects of Emsam include: application site reaction and insomnia. Other side effects include: skin rash, weight loss, and orthostatic hypotension.
How do I stop Emsam?
For patients that have been taking Emsam for a long time, discontinuing treatment can take anywhere from a couple of months to over a year. During this time, doses will be decreased at small intervals every few weeks until doses are stopped entirely.
How long does selegiline stay in your system?
Factors That Influence How Long Emsam (Selegiline) Stays in Your System. From the time of the last dose, the residual effects of selegiline continue to directly influence metabolism and brain chemistry for two to three weeks. This is how long it takes for enzyme production to return to normal.
What are the dietary restrictions while using Emsam (selegiline) patch?
Avoid tyramine-rich foods and beverages while using Emsam (selegiline) patch 9 mg and 12 mg doses. Continue to avoid these foods for 2 weeks after...
Do I need to avoid any activities while wearing the Emsam (selegiline) patch patch?
Avoid having Emsam (selegiline) patch on direct heat, such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, or...
Can I cut the Emsam (selegiline) patch patches or double up on it?
Don't cut Emsam (selegiline) patch into smaller pieces because it will affect how the medication gets absorbed into your body. If you don't tolerat...
What medications do I need to avoid if I take Emsam (selegiline) patch?
Ask your provider if Emsam (selegiline) patch is safe to take with your current medications. While taking Emsam (selegiline) patch, don't start any...
Can Emsam (selegiline) patch help with anxiety?
Although Emsam (selegiline) patch can help improve your mood and behavior with depression, it isn't approved to treat anxiety. Speak with your prov...
Foods to Avoid When Taking Emsam Patch, Transdermal 24 Hours - WebMD
Should I avoid certain foods while taking Emsam Patch, Transdermal 24 Hours? Very Important . A change in your diet, medicine, or dosage may be necessary.
Emsam Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term - Drugs.com
Emsam Side Effects. Generic name: selegiline Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 27, 2022. Consumer; Professional; Note: This document contains side effect information about selegiline. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Emsam.. Summary
Emsam Reviews & Ratings - Drugs.com
For Depression: “86 yrs old depressed 3 yrs. Tried all medicine, nothing. Electro shock, nothing. On EMSAM patch 6mg nothing. Up to 9mg back to normal in TWO Days! Got shaky and up to 12mg and have been great for 1-2 yrs. Drink bottle white wine at dinner out, have frequent sex, eat small amounts of forbidden fruit, hot shower on patch, if itch scratch patch, sleep like a baby no side effects.
EMSAM (deprenyl patch): how a promising antidepressant was ...
The EMSAM patch is a unique monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) being the only antidepressant utilizing a transdermal delivery system. This was welcomed by clinicians who hoped that EMSAM would be better tolerated than oral MAOIs and non-MAOI antidepressants, as well as being effective for treatment in a wide spectrum of depressed patients including atypical depression, bipolar depression, and ...
What is Emsam (selegiline) patch?
Emsam (selegiline) patch is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). MAO has two types called MAO-A and MAO-B, which are responsible for breaking down norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and phenylethylamine in the brain. At antidepressant doses, Emsam (selegiline) patch blocks both types. It's not fully understood how this medication can help with depression, but it's likely that blocking monoamine oxidase can help rebalance the chemicals in the brain and help improve your mood and emotions.
What are the risks and warnings for Emsam (selegiline) patch?
Emsam (selegiline) patch can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options
How much does Emsam (selegiline) patch cost?
There is currently no generic for Emsam (selegiline) patch, so it can be expensive, even with insurance. GoodRx coupons, copay cards and patient assistance programs may help lower the cost.
What is selegiline patch used for?
Selegiline skin patch is used to treat mental depression in adults. This medicine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
How old do you have to be to use selegiline?
Selegiline skin patch should not be used in children younger than 12 years of age.
What happens if you take selegiline?
It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. Make sure the doctor knows if you have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell the doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away. Let the doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder ( manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.
What to do if you forget to wear a patch?
If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.
What to do if you forget to wear a patch?
If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.
How many milligrams of a patch for depression?
For transdermal dosage form (skin patch): For depression: Adults—At first, one 6-milligram (mg) patch once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. Children 12 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Children younger than 12 years of age—Use is not recommended.
What medical conditions affect the use of a syringe?
Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder), at risk or family history of or. Heart problems or. Hypotension (low blood pressure) or.
How to change a patch?
Try to change the patch at the same time each day. Do not expose the patch to direct sources of heat, such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, or direct sunlight for long periods of time. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
What is the transdermal route?
Transdermal route (Patch, Extended Release) Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies.
Why is it important to check your child's progress with a doctor?
It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
Does Emsam cause side effects?
Emsam side effects. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: More common. Chills.
Why is carbamazepine contraindicated with EMSAM?
Carbamazepine is contraindicated with EMSAM because of a possible increased risk of hypertensive crisis.
How long after EMSAM can you breastfeed?
Lactation: Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from EMSAM, including the potential for hypertensive crisis, advise a woman that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with EMSAM and for 5 days after the final dose. 1.
Why is EMSAM contraindicated?
EMSAM is contraindicated in patients less than 12 years of age because of the potential for a hypertensive crisis. EMSAM is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma because MAOIs may precipitate a hypertensive crisis in such patients .
What is EMSAM used for?
EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) indicated for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD)
What are the symptoms of serotonin syndrome?
Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e .g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular changes (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea , vomiting, diarr hea). Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Treatment with EMSAM and any concomitant serotonergic agents should be discontinued immediately and supportive treatment should be initiated.
Does heat increase selegiline?
External Heat: Heat may result in an increase in the amount of selegiline absorbed from EMSAM and produce elevated serum levels of selegiline. Patients should be advised to avoid exposing the EMSAM application site to external sources of direct heat, such as heating pads or electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds and prolonged direct sunlight.
Does EMSAM cause a high blood pressure?
As a result of this inhibition, large amounts of tyramine may enter the systemic circulation and precipitate a sudden, large rise in blood pressure or hypertensive crisis. To prevent a hypertensive crisis, foods and beverages high in tyramine must be avoided while on EMSAM 9 mg/24hr, and for 2 weeks following discontinuation of EMSAM Transdermal System at these doses, or after reducing the dose to 6 mg/24hr.
What drugs cause serotonin toxicity?
Serious, sometimes fatal, central nervous system (CNS) toxicity referred to as the “serotonin syndrome” has been reported with the combination of non-selective MAOIs with certain other drugs, including tricyclic or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antide pressants, amphetamines, meperidine, or pentazocine. Serotonin syndrome is characterized by signs and symptoms that may include hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with rapid fluctuations of the vital signs, and mental status changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma. Similar less severe syndromes have been reported in a few patients receiving a combination of oral selegiline with one of these agents.
How long does it take for EMSAM to work?
The benefit of maintaining depressed patients on therapy with EMSAM at a dose of 6 mg/24 hours after achieving a responder status for an average duration of about 25 days was demonstrated in a controlled trial (see Clinical Efficacy Trials and INDICATIONS AND USAGE).
What should a prescriber know about EMSAM?
Prescribers or other health professionals should inform patients, their families, and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with treatment with EMSAM and should counsel them in its appropriate use . A patient Medication Guide about “Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and other Serious Mental Illness, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions” is available for EMSAM. The prescriber or health professional should instruct patients, their families, and their caregivers to read the Medication Guide and should assist them in understanding its contents. Patients should be given the opportunity to discuss the contents of the Medication Guide and to obtain answers to any questions they may have. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of this document.
Which enzymes are involved in the metabolism of selegiline?
In vitro studies utilizing human liver microsomes demonstrated that several CYP450-dependent enzymes are involved in the metabolism of selegiline and its metabolites. CYP2B6, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4/5 appeared to be the major contributing enzymes in the formation of R(-)-methamphetamine from selegiline, with CYP2A6 having a minor role. CYP2A6, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4/5 appeared to contribute to the formation of R(-)-amphetamine from N-desmethylselegiline.
Can you give EMSAM to other people?
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in Medication Guides. Do not give EMSAM to other people , even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
Is selegiline an isoenzyme?
Selegiline (the drug substance of EMSAM) is an irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO), a ubiquitous intracellular enzyme. MAO exists as two isoenzymes, referred to as MAO-A and MAO-B. Selegiline shows greater affinity for MAO-B; however, as selegiline concentration increases, this selectivity is lost with resulting dose-related inhibition of MAO-A. Intestinal MAO is predominantly type A, while in the brain both isoenzymes exist.
Does EMSAM affect blood pressure?
The effect of pseudoephedrine on EMSAM was not examined. There were no clinically significant changes in blood pressure during pseudoephedrine administration alone, or in combination with EMSAM. Nonetheless, it is prudent to avoid the concomitant use of sympathomimetic agents with EMSAM.
steveb
I took myself off the Desipramine (could NOT stand the s/e's anymore) - and pdoc asked if I wanted to try the new Emsam patch. Anyone try it yet?
lizard
Best of luck with it, Steve, and thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you'll continue to do so, as I (and other members) are considering Emsam as our next try on ADs.
lymom3
I start Emsam tomorrow...EVERYONE at home and work will be soooo happy. I'm just a weeee bit cranky and weepy with no meds for the past week. I have my fingers crossed that this one might work for me... At least I have 3 weeks worth of samples from the pdoc. Won't cost me anything to get started...
lizard
Keeping my fingers crossed for you, Lisa - this will be the 'wonder drug' for you!
steveb
Best of luck with it, Steve, and thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you'll continue to do so, as I (and other members) are considering Emsam as our next try on ADs.
lymom3
I finally started the patch today. I feel more awake and clear headed...that is probably wishful thinking at this point but I will sure give regular updates!
lymom3
Day one of Emsam and I just got back from a walk..woo hoo! It was only 1/2 hour and only 2 miles, but it's a start!!
What is Emsam?
Emsam (selegi line) prevents the breakdown of chemicals in the brain that are often imbalanced in people with depression .
How should I use Emsam?
Use Emsam patches exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
What other drugs will affect Emsam?
If you have been taking fluoxetine ( Prozac, Sarafem ), you must stop taking it for 5 weeks before you begin using Emsam.
What to do if emsam patch falls off?
If a Emsam patch falls off, try sticking it back into place. If it does not stick well, put on a new patch and leave it on only for the rest of your wearing time. Do not change your patch removal schedule.
How long does it take for Emsam to come off?
Remove the skin patch after 24 hours and replace it with a new one. Choose a different place on your body to wear the patch each time you put on a new one. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying a patch, and after removing one. If a Emsam patch falls off, try sticking it back into place.
How long after taking selegiline can you breastfeed?
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine and for at least 5 days after your last dose.
How long should you stop using Emsam before surgery?
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Emsam. You may need to stop using the medicine for at least 10 days before a planned surgery.

Commonly Used Brand Name
Selegiline is an antidepressant (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) that treats depression by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Selegiline can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. This medication is a patch for use on the skin.
May Treat: Major depressive disorder
Drug Class: Antidepressant - MAO Inhibitor Nonselective and Irreversible-Types A, B
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Major depressive disorder
Drug Class: Antidepressant - MAO Inhibitor Nonselective and Irreversible-Types A, B
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Uses For Emsam
Before Using Emsam
Proper Use of Emsam
Precautions While Using Emsam
Emsam Side Effects
- Selegiline skin patch is used to treat mental depression in adults. This medicine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Further Information
- In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered: