Greetings,

I have had PD for two years, am not taking PD meds. Right side affected to the point I cannot write. Doctor just prescribed Selegline. On the warning data, it mentions reaction with anti depressant Venlafaxine, of which I am on. Both Dr and Pharmacist were aware, I even ask both this. I am afraid to start this med.
Read that this med is usually given in conjunction with levodopa and not by itself. Has anyone tried this med by itself?

Thank you.

Johnny Mac

that's interesting, seems most docs are prescribing azilect as a MAO-B inhibitor, it has less side affects and TEVA thinks it slows progression, pretty expensive unless you have excellent insurance.

i started with mirapex in 2003-2004,stopped it, started on selegilene, stopped it because it increased ringing in one ear and i think back pain but not the drowsiness i felt with mirapex.

you'll know soon enough if it is adequate but it sure sounds like you need symptom relief right now.

Greetings Johnny Mac
Welcome to the parkinson's medication merry go round. You will find that you MUST do your own research on meds.
For example- Do NOT mix those two meds- there is a real danger of serotonin syndrome if you do. See info below and find some good medical research websites for yourself to do your research on.
I took Selegeline, 10mg. divided into two doses of 5mg each, morning and night for 12-13 years when I was first diagnosed in 1997. I believe it slowed the progression of the disease- for me. I was hospitalized twice during that period for drug interaction and was always worried that if I was in an accident that the MAO-I (selegeline) mixed with some random drug they might give me in the hospital would kill me. I should have gotten a medical bracelet to wear.
Although I didn't take it for depression, I have never been less depressed in my life than when I was taking selegeline.
I stopped taking it 5 years ago when I started on sinemet.
Good luck with your journey- it seems your instincts are good.
Victoria

Interactions between your selected drugs

selegiline ↔ venlafaxine
Applies to:Emsam (selegiline) and venlafaxine
Using selegiline together with venlafaxine is not recommended. Combining these medications can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. In general, you should wait at least 14 days after stopping selegiline before you start treatment with venlafaxine. Conversely, if you have recently been on venlafaxine and are now starting treatment with selegiline, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist to see how long you should wait before it is safe for you to use selegiline, as some antidepressants can take a while to clear from your body. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Soccertese,

I already have ringing in my ears, how is your Parkinson's doing? I will get back to Pharmacist on this before using it.

Thank you

Hello Victorialou,

I am believe you said it best, "Merry go Round". My first med was Ripinole a dopamine agnoist which did nothing until doctor tripled the dose. That made my head feel awful, so I told dr., no meds. Brain meds scare me, although the Venlafaxine saved me from depression. Is there any truth that your best outcome is by going to a movement disorder specialist?

I sure appreciate your response, and will not use this medicine. I will call the pharmacist about this too.

My dosage was same as yours, my doctor claimed the same benefit of slowing progression. I really need to get a handle on this. How are you doing on your current meds? I am 59 and would like to get 3 more years out this body for work.

Thank you.

Johnny Mac.

i'm taking only sinemet, up to 900mg/day to control my 2 major symptoms, rigidity and mental fatigue. diagnosed in late 2001, symptoms got a lot worse after 2011. that's about all the detail i want to go into. as always, advise one to exercise, socialize, join a support group, stay informed.