Emsam (Selegiline Transdermal System) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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 Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Emsam)?

Apply a skin patch as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to apply your next patch, skip the missed dose and apply a patch at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra patches to make up the missed dose.

If a patch becomes loose, press it back in place. If a patch falls off, apply a new one and go back to your regular schedule for patch changes.

What happens if I overdose (Emsam)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a selegiline overdose may include severe headache, hallucinations, vision problems, sweating, cool or clammy skin, fast or uneven heart rate, feeling lightheaded, fainting, or seizure.

What should I avoid while using selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?

While using the 9-mg or 12-mg patches, you must NOT eat foods that are high in tyramine, including:

air dried meats, aged or fermented meats, sausage or salami (including cacciatore and mortadella), pickled herring, and any spoiled or improperly stored beef, poultry, fish, or liver;
beer from a tap, beer that has not been pasteurized;
aged cheeses, including blue, boursault, brick, brie, camembert, cheddar, emmenthaler, gruyere, parmesan, romano, roquefort, stilton, and swiss;
over-the-counter supplements or cough and cold medicines that contain tyramine;
sauerkraut, soy beans, soy sauce, tofu, miso soup, bean curd, fava beans; or
yeast extracts (such as Marmite).

Eating tyramine while you are using selegiline can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels which could cause life-threatening side effects. You should become very familiar with the list of foods to avoid while you are using selegiline.

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are using selegiline.

Selegiline can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What other drugs will affect selegiline transdermal (Emsam)?

There are many other medicines that can cause serious medical problems if you take them while using selegiline. Do not use selegiline before telling your doctor about all other prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor, dentist, or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about selegiline.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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