Emsam Disease Interactions

Dopamine agonists may impair the systemic regulation of blood pressure, with resultant orthostatic hypotension, especially during dose escalation. Therapy with dopamine agonists should be monitored carefully in patients with Parkinson's disease since they may have an impaired ability to respond to an orthostatic challenge, and also in patients receiving antihypertensive drugs.

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Patients with major psychotic disorders should ordinarily not be treated with selegiline because of the risk of exacerbating psychosis.

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Small increments in serum BUN and creatinine have been observed in patients treated with high dose of selegiline. Treatment with selegiline is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease (CrCl <30 mL/min).

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Hypotension has been observed during therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These drugs should be used with caution, especially in patients with tendency towards hypotension or taking other drugs known to cause hypotension.

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The use of selegiline has been associated with cardiovascular events such as tachycardia, bradycardia, syncope, hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmias, and aggravation of angina pectoris. Therapy with selegiline should be administered cautiously in patients with cardiac disease.

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The use of selegiline may exacerbate glaucoma. Therapy with selegiline should be administered cautiously in patients with glaucoma.

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Selegiline can cause hypertensive reactions and it should be used with caution in patients with hypertension. Patients should report any symptoms such as occipital headache, palpitations, neck stiffness or soreness, nausea, sweating, dilated pupils and photophobia. Patients receiving therapy need to have monitored their blood pressure frequently to detect any evidence of pressor response. Additionally, patients should be advised to avoid foods and drinks with high tyramine content such as cheese, sour cream, beer, liver, bananas and others, as these might trigger a hypertensive crisis.

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Patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh 5 to 9), may require a dose reduction of selegiline depending on their clinical response. Selegiline is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh >9).

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Patients with Parkinson's disease have a higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population. Patients and providers should be advised to monitor for melanoma frequently and regularly when using selegiline. Skin examinations should be performed by qualified individuals (e.g., dermatologists).

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Selegiline should be used with caution in patients with sleep disorders as it can cause somnolence. Patients should exercise caution when driving, operating machines, or working at heights during treatment. Treatment should be discontinued if patients develop daytime sleepiness with episodes of falling asleep during activities such as conversation, eating, etc. If not discontinued, patients should be very cautious about the activities that they engage in that could be potentially dangerous. Prescribers should question the patients specifically about somnolence, as it is rarely reported by patients, and ask about sleep disorders and the use of concomitant sedating medications.

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The use of selegiline may exacerbate urinary retention. Therapy with selegiline should be administered cautiously in patients with urinary retention or obstruction.

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