What Is Orally Disintegrating Selegiline Used For?

Orally disintegrating selegiline is commonly used for treating Parkinson's disease. This prescription medication works by increasing the amount of a certain brain chemical called dopamine. On occasion, healthcare providers may prescribe this medication for other uses. Orally disintegrating selegiline can be used "off-label" to treat Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and depression, among other things. This medication, however, is not approved for use in children.

What Is Orally Disintegrating Selegiline Used For? -- An Overview

Orally disintegrating selegiline (Zelapar®) is a Parkinson's disease medication. It belongs to a group of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It is approved for use in combination with carbidopa-levodopa medications (such as Sinemet®, Sinemet® CR, or Parcopa®). Orally disintegrating selegiline is specifically designed for people who are experiencing a reduced response to their carbidopa-levodopa therapy. Orally disintegrating selegiline is taken once a day and is particularly useful for people who have trouble swallowing tablets, as it dissolves rapidly on the tongue.
 

What Is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease results from the loss of neurons in a region of the brain that controls movement. This creates a shortage of the neurotransmitter (brain-signaling chemical) known as dopamine, causing the movement problems characteristic of Parkinson's disease. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not currently known.
 
Although early symptoms of Parkinson's may be subtle, people will eventually develop a characteristic tremor (trembling or shaking) of a limb, especially when the body is at rest. As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen and new ones may appear.
 
Depending on the severity of a person's symptoms, Parkinson's disease treatment can include:
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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