Emsam (Selegiline Transdermal System) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Emsam

Antidepressants »

What are antidepressants and how do they work?

Antidepressants are a class of drugs that reduce symptoms of depressive disorders by correcting chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain. Chemical imbalances may be responsible for changes in mood and behavior.

Neurotransmitters are vital, as they are the communication link between nerve cells in the brain. Neurotransmitters reside within vesicles found in nerve cells, which are released by one nerve and taken up by other nerves. Neurotransmitters not taken up by other nerves are taken up by the same nerves that released them. This process is called "reuptake." The prevalent neurotransmitters in the brain specific to depression are serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline).

In general, antidepressants work by inhibiting the reuptake of specific neurotransmitters, hence increasing their levels around the nerves within the brain, such...

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Emsam

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EMSAM®
(selegiline transdermal) System

CONTINUOUS DELIVERY FOR ONCE-DAILY APPLICATION

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening,suicidality,or unusual changes in behavior.Families and caregivers should be advised for the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is not approved for use in pediatric patients.Furthermore,EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) at any dose should not be used in children under the age of 12, even when administered with dietary modifications. (See WARNINGS: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients, and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use.)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

EMSAM® (selegiline transdermal system) is a transdermally administered antidepressant. When applied to intact skin, EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is designed to continuously deliver selegiline over a 24-hour period. Selegiline base is a colorless to yellow liquid, chemically described as (-)-(N)-Methyl- N-[(1 R)-1-methyl-2- phenylethyl]prop-2-yn-1-amine. It has an empirical formula of C₁₃H₁₇N and a molecular weight of 187.30. The structural formula is:

EMSAM®(SELEGILINE TRANSDERMAL SYSTEM) Structural Formula Illustration

EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) systems are transdermal patches that contain 1 mg of selegiline per cm^²and deliver approximately 0.3 mg of selegiline per cm^²over 24 hours. EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) systems are available in three sizes: 20 mg/20 cm^², 30 mg/30 cm^², and 40 mg/40 cm^²that deliver, on average, doses of 6 mg, 9 mg, or 12 mg, respectively, of selegiline over 24 hours.

EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is a matrix-type transdermal system composed of three layers as illustrated in Figure 1 below.Layer 1 is the Backing Film that provides the matrix system with occlusivity and physical integrity and protects the adhesive/drug layer.Layer 2 is the Adhesive/Drug Layer.Layer 3 consists of side-by-side release liners that are peeled off and discarded by the patient prior to applying EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) .The inactive ingredients are acrylic adhesive, ethylene vinyl acetate/polyethylene,polyester,polyurethane,and silicon coated polyester.

Figure 1: Side view of EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) system. (Not to scale.)

Side view of EMSAM system - Illustration

What are the possible side effects of selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using selegiline and call your doctor...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Emsam »

What are the precautions when taking selegiline transdermal system (Emsam)?

Before using selegiline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain kind of adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, heart attack), high blood pressure, history of severe/frequent headaches.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal/family history of mental/mood disorders...

Read All Potential Precautions of Emsam »

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/2/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.