Consumer Information

Emsam

Generic name: Selegiline
Brand names: Emsam

Why is Emsam prescribed?

Emsam is a skin patch prescribed to treat major depression.

Most important fact about Emsam

Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and teenagers. Adult and pediatric patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for changes in moods or actions, especially when they first start therapy or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients and their families should contact the doctor immediately if new symptoms develop or seem to get worse. Signs to watch for include anxiety, hostility, insomnia, restlessness, impulsive or dangerous behavior, and thoughts about suicide or dying.

How should you take Emsam?

Apply an Emsam patch to dry, smooth skin on your upper chest or back (below the neck and above the waist), upper thigh or to the outer surface of the upper arm. Choose a new site each time you change your patch. Do not use the same site two days in a row. The patch delivers medicine for 24 hours.

If you miss a dose...
If you forget to change your patch after 24 hours, remove the old patch, put on a new patch in a different area and continue to follow your original schedule.

Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature, in their original pouches.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Emsam.

Side effects may include:
Decrease in blood pressure, increased depression, mania or hypomania

Why should Emsam not be prescribed?

You should not use Emsam if you are taking another medication that will interact with it, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in it. Talk with your doctor to find the best way to treat depression.

Special warnings about Emsam

You must not eat foods or drink beverages that contain high amounts of tyramine while using the Emsam 9 milligrams or 12 milligrams patches. You do not have to make any diet changes with the Emsam 6 milligrams patch. Do not take other medicines while using Emsam or for 2 weeks after you stop using it unless your doctor has told you it is okay. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how Emsam affects you. Emsam may impair your judgment, ability to think, or coordination.

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Emsam. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart problems, manic episodes, seizures, fainting, or are pregnant.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Emsam

If Emsam is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Emsam with the following:

Anxiety medication
Diet or weight-loss pills
Other antidepressants, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Pain medication
Seizure medication
St. John's wort

While on Emsam, it is best to avoid tyramine-rich foods such as dried or aged meats (e.g., sausages and salamis), fava beans, aged cheeses, tap beers, yeast, sauerkraut, and soybean products.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Emsam during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Talk with your doctor before taking Emsam if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.