Selegiline: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you hear selegiline, a selective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor used primarily for Parkinson’s disease and sometimes for depression. Also known as L-deprenyl, it works by helping your brain keep more dopamine available—something your body naturally loses over time in conditions like Parkinson’s. Unlike older antidepressants that hit every neurotransmitter, selegiline is picky. It mostly targets MAO-B, the enzyme that breaks down dopamine. That’s why it’s a go-to for early Parkinson’s: it doesn’t just mask symptoms, it helps your brain use what’s left more efficiently.

Selegiline doesn’t work the same way as levodopa, the most common Parkinson’s drug. Instead, it’s often added on top to make levodopa last longer and reduce "off" periods—those sudden drops in movement control. It’s also used in low doses for depression, especially when other meds haven’t helped. In those cases, it’s usually taken as a patch to avoid dietary restrictions that come with higher oral doses. You might see it compared to rasagiline, another MAO-B inhibitor that’s similar but doesn’t break down into amphetamine-like byproducts, or even dopamine agonists, drugs like pramipexole that directly stimulate dopamine receptors. But selegiline’s edge? It’s been around longer, costs less, and has a solid track record in real-world use.

People often worry about the "cheese effect"—the dangerous spike in blood pressure from eating tyramine-rich foods. That’s a real risk with older MAO inhibitors, but at the low doses used for Parkinson’s (5mg or less daily), it’s rare. Still, if you’re on higher doses or using the patch, you’ll need to watch your diet. You’ll also want to avoid certain pain meds, cold remedies, and other antidepressants unless your doctor clears it. Side effects like insomnia, dizziness, or dry mouth happen, but they’re usually mild and fade as your body adjusts.

The posts you’ll find here cover what matters most: how selegiline stacks up against other Parkinson’s treatments, what patients actually experience with long-term use, and how to avoid common mistakes when starting or switching meds. You’ll see real comparisons with rasagiline, details on patch vs tablet forms, and tips on managing side effects without quitting. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, helping a loved one, or just trying to understand why your doctor chose this drug, these guides cut through the noise and give you straight facts—not marketing.