Medical Terminology

selegiline

Selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl, Zelapar) is in a group of medications called monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors, which means that it works by slowing the breakdown of certain substances in the brain (mostly dopamine). Selegiline was approved by the U.S. FDA in 1989 for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, to help control the difficulties with movement, muscle control and balance. Even though selegiline has been reported to decrease excessive daytime sleepiness, it is usually not prescribed for narcolepsy because of the high dosage required. Read more about selegiline at MedlinePlus.gov HERE and on HF’s Treatment web page HERE.