Emsam (Selegiline Transdermal System) - Comprehensive Medication Guide

Emsam is a prescription medication used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Emsam is administered transdermally, meaning it is delivered through the skin via a patch.

Uses of Emsam

• Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Dosage and Administration

Important Instructions

Always use Emsam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label carefully. Do not use more Emsam than recommended.

Dietary Restrictions

When using Emsam and for 14 days after stopping treatment, it is critical to avoid foods high in tyramine. Consuming tyramine-rich foods while taking Emsam can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Foods to AVOID While Taking Emsam

• Aged cheeses (e.g., cheddar, blue cheese, brie)
• Cured or processed meats (e.g., salami, pepperoni, smoked fish)
• Fermented foods (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi)
• Broad bean pods (fava beans)
• Tap or unpasteurized beer
• Soy sauce
• Yeast extracts (e.g., Marmite)

Foods Generally Safe to Eat

• Fresh meat, poultry, or fish (including lunch meat, hot dogs, breakfast sausage, and cooked sliced ham)
• Any vegetables except broad bean pods (fava beans)
• Processed cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese
• Pizza made with cheeses low in tyramine
• Soy milk, yogurt
• Brewer's or baker's yeast

Application Instructions

This medication comes with detailed patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Discontinuation

Do not stop using Emsam suddenly, as this may cause harmful side effects. Consult your doctor before discontinuing use.

Time to Effect

It may take several weeks of using Emsam before you notice an improvement in your symptoms. Continue using the medication as directed for best results.

Missed Dose

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

Recommended Dosage

The recommended starting dose and target dose for Emsam (selegiline transdermal system) is 6 mg/24 hours.

Storage Information

Store Emsam at 20º to 25º C (68º to 77º F). Keep away from children and pets.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications - Do NOT use Emsam if:

• You are allergic to selegiline or any of the ingredients in Emsam.
• You have an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma).
• You are planning to have surgery.
• You have taken any of the following drugs within the past 14 days:
  • buspirone (BuSpar)
  • carbamazepine (Tegretol) or oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
  • cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
  • dextromethorphan (cough medicine)
  • meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), or tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet)
  • mirtazapine (Remeron)
  • diet pills, ADHD medications, or cold medicines containing dextromethorphan, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylephrine
  • St. John's wort
  • antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), protriptyline (Vivactil), sertraline (Zoloft), venlafaxine (Effexor), or trimipramine (Surmontil)
  • other MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or oral selegiline (Eldepryl)

Washout Periods

• After stopping Emsam, wait at least 14 days before taking any of the medications listed above.
• Wait at least 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine (Prozac) before starting Emsam.

Medical Conditions

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or if you have:

• Heart disease, high or low blood pressure
• Seizures or epilepsy
• A personal or family history of bipolar disorder (manic depression) or suicide attempt

Suicidal Thoughts

You may experience suicidal thoughts when you first start using an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Report any worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts to your doctor immediately. Your family or caregivers should also be aware of these potential changes.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Emsam may be harmful to an unborn baby (FDA pregnancy category C). Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is unknown if Emsam passes into breast milk or could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without consulting your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects of Emsam

Emergency Medical Help

Seek emergency medical help immediately if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Contact Your Doctor Immediately If You Experience:

• New or worsening symptoms such as mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or feelings of impulsivity, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggressiveness, restlessness, hyperactivity (mentally or physically), increased depression, or suicidal thoughts.
• Sudden and severe headache, confusion, blurred vision, problems with speech or balance, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, seizure (convulsions), and sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body).
• Feeling light-headed or fainting.
• Twitching muscle movements.
• Painful or difficult urination.

Less Serious Side Effects May Include:

• Constipation, gas, loss of appetite
• Swelling, numbness or tingling, easy bruising, muscle pain
• Dry mouth, sore throat, cough
• Redness or itching where the patch is worn
• Impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm

This is not a complete list of side effects. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Emsam for Sale - Where to Buy

Emsam is a prescription medication and can be purchased at most pharmacies with a valid prescription. Check with your local pharmacies for availability and pricing. Buying Emsam online is also an option with a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.

FAQ About Emsam

What is Emsam used for?

Emsam is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

How does Emsam work?

Emsam works by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that breaks down certain neurotransmitters in the brain. By inhibiting MAO, Emsam increases the levels of these neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which can help improve mood.

How often do I change the Emsam patch?

The Emsam patch is typically changed once every 24 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Can I drink alcohol while using Emsam?

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while using Emsam due to the potential for interactions and increased side effects. Consult your doctor for specific guidance.

What should I do if the Emsam patch falls off?

If the Emsam patch falls off, apply a new patch to a different skin site. Make sure the skin is clean, dry, and free of any lotions or oils.

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