Zelapar is an oral tablet made up of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor called selegiline. We carry the brand choice Zelapar in 1.25mg.

Zelapar is prescribed along with carbidopa and levodopa to treat symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition affecting the nervous system, which causes interference with movement. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, slow movements, rigid muscles, impaired balance and posture, and speech changes.

Zelapar (selegiline) is effective at treating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease because it is able to stop the breakdown of dopamine, a natural chemical in your brain. Low levels of dopamine are associated with Parkinson’s disease. Zelapar is also effective at treating this condition because it interacts with levodopa to allow its effects to last longer in the body.

Your doctor will tell you, before prescribing you Zelapar (selegiline) exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication or you risk harmful side effects. Store this medication in a low risk area of moisture and heat.

This medication should be taken once a day before breakfast; do not take this tablet with any liquids.

During treatment and 2 weeks following the end of treatment, you will need to avoid certain foods that can cause your blood pressure to rise to dangerous levels.

You may eat these foods during or 14 days following treatment:

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; or Brewer's or baker's yeast.

Do not use Zelapar (selegiline)

This medication, Zelapar, should not be used by anyone who is allergic to selegiline, or if you have taken fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem and others) within the past 5 weeks.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Dangerous drug interactions may occur if you do not let your doctor know if you take cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan, cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), meperidine (Demerol) or other narcotic (opioid) pain medicine, methadone, St. John's wort, tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet), antidepressants, or an MAO inhibitor. Once treatment is complete, you must wait at least 14 days before taking any of the previously listed medications.

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or phenylketonuria.

Risks

It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby, if it will pass into breast milk, or harm a nursing infant. If you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding; consult your doctor before using Zelapar.

Common side effects of Zelapar (selegiline) may include:

dizziness; nausea, stomach pain, constipation; skin rash or other irritation; or sleep problems (insomnia).

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Zelapar (selegiline) may include:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; trouble breathing; confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior; increased tremors or uncontrolled muscle movements; or worsening side effects of your other medications.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

high levels of serotonin in the body (when taken with an antidepressant) - agitation, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting; or

dangerously high blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, pounding heartbeats, or seizure (convulsions).

What is Selegiline?

This medication is commonly used with other medications to treat the movement disorders that are caused by Parkinson’s disease.  While it does not cure Parkinson’s disease, it can aid in improving shakiness, muscle stiffness, and loss of normal movements as other medications wear off.  And it may improve your range of motions, ability to walk, dress, and exercise. Selegiline is what is called an enzyme blocker, and it works by slowing the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters within the brain. Zelapar only comes in a singular dose of 1.25mg. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll-free number 1-877-385-8998.