Emsam/Selegiline

Emsam or Selegiline is just one of the monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs that works directly on some imbalanced chemicals found in the brain to eventually relieve symptoms of depression.

However, though can really be helpful, this medication when taken can cause great risks on your health because of the many side effects that it brings. Hence, taking this medicine is a serious matter and should be pondered on for a number of times.

Use of Emsam

Generally, Emsam is used to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder just like physical pain, sleep changes, weight gain or weight loss, suicidal thoughts, lost of interest on things you used to enjoy and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.

Possible Side Effects

There are indeed some side effects brought by Marplan that are very apparent or common. But there are also some that are just less common and rare.

Normally, the common side effects may include:

Chills
Cold sweats
Confusion
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting
Headache
Sleeplessness
Trouble sleeping
Burning sensations
Skin rash
Diarrhea
Dry mouth

While the less common ones may include:

Hoarseness
Indigestion
Body aches or pain
Semen discharge changes
Congestion
Dryness or soreness of throat
Fever
Stuffy or runny nose
Heartburn
Pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
Rash
Tightness of chest
Swallowing problems
Acid or sour stomach
Belching
Voice changes
Runny nose
Shortness of breath or troubled breathing
Stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
Weight changes
Tender, swollen glands in neck

The rare side effects on the other hand may include:

Orgasm problems
Inability to have or keep an erection
Loss in sexual ability, drive, or desire

Special Considerations and Warnings

When you are taking Emsam, there are actually some foods, beverages and medications that you are not allowed to take along with. In terms of foods and beverages, you are not allowed to eat foods containing high tyramine like cheeses, fava pods, yeast or meat extracts, smoked or pickled meat, poultry or the like.

While in terms of medications, the most prohibited are other MAO inhibitors, other antidepressants, pain medications, medications for seizures, and medicines that contain amphetamines.

Emsam on Pregnancy Issues

The effects of an antidepressant like Emsam on pregnancy and on babies exposed to such medication is not yet sufficiently studied. Hence, if in the event you are now taking Emsam yet become pregnant unexpectedly or have to breastmilk an infant, consult your doctor as soon as possible for some guidance and precautionary measures.