Selgin
✅ Manages Parkinson’s symptoms
✅ Enhances mood
✅ Increases dopamine levels
✅ Improves motor function
✅ Slows disease progression
Selgin contains Selegiline Hydrochloride.
✓ Medically reviewed by Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience · Last reviewed: May 2026
⚡ Quick Answer
Selgin is an oral selegiline (5 mg) tablet — a selective monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor used to treat Parkinson disease. By blocking MAO-B in the brain, it slows the breakdown of dopamine and helps lengthen the time levodopa keeps working between doses (reduces “off” time). Selegiline is metabolised to L-amphetamine and L-methamphetamine, which can contribute to insomnia — take morning doses only. Common side effects: insomnia, headache, dyskinesia, dry mouth, postural hypotension. Important: avoid combination with most antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs), opioids such as pethidine and tramadol, and dextromethorphan — risk of serotonin syndrome.
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What Is Selgin?
Selgin is an oral tablet containing selegiline 5 mg. selegiline is a selective monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor originally introduced as Eldepryl / Jumex. Selgin is manufactured by a WHO-GMP certified facility and is bioequivalent to the originator brand at the same strength.
Selegiline was the first MAO-B inhibitor used in Parkinson disease, in clinical use since the 1980s. It can be used as monotherapy in early Parkinson disease (modest symptomatic benefit, may delay the need for levodopa by months) or as adjunct to levodopa to reduce “wearing-off” between doses. Its distinctive feature among MAO-B inhibitors is that it is metabolised to amphetamine derivatives, which contribute to a mild stimulant effect — useful for fatigue but a frequent cause of insomnia.
How Does Selgin (selegiline) Work?
In the brain, dopamine is degraded mainly by monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B). Selegiline irreversibly inactivates MAO-B at standard doses (5–10 mg/day), so dopamine released from surviving neurones lingers longer in the synapse. The result: smoother symptom control and a longer benefit from each levodopa dose. Selegiline is also metabolised to L-amphetamine and L-methamphetamine, which independently contribute mild stimulant and dopaminergic effects. Above 10 mg/day, selectivity for MAO-B is lost and MAO-A inhibition becomes clinically meaningful — tyramine restriction then becomes important.
Comparing the MAO-B Inhibitors
The three MAO-B inhibitors used in Parkinson disease — selegiline, rasagiline and safinamide — share a common mechanism but differ meaningfully in metabolites, dosing and clinical positioning:
| Feature | Selegiline | Rasagiline | Safinamide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical dose | 5–10 mg/day | 0.5–1 mg/day | 50–100 mg/day |
| Active metabolites | Amphetamine + methamphetamine | Aminoindan (non-amphetamine) | No active stimulant metabolite |
| Glutamate effect | No | No | Yes — sodium-channel/glutamate-release modulation |
| Indication | Monotherapy or adjunct | Monotherapy or adjunct | Adjunct only — for fluctuating PD on levodopa |
| Insomnia risk | Higher (amphetamine metabolites) | Low | Low |
Who Is Selgin For?
Selgin is appropriate for adults with Parkinson disease — either as initial monotherapy in early disease (when symptoms are mild and the patient is reluctant to start levodopa) or as adjunct to levodopa in patients with end-of-dose “wearing-off”. Older patients prone to insomnia may tolerate rasagiline or safinamide better. Not appropriate during current SSRI/SNRI/TCA therapy or for patients planning to take pethidine, tramadol or other contraindicated medications.
Dosing and Administration
The standard adult dose is 5 mg once daily with breakfast, increased to 5 mg twice daily (breakfast and lunch) after 1–2 weeks if needed for symptom control. Avoid evening doses — the amphetamine metabolites cause insomnia. Maximum 10 mg/day at standard MAO-B selectivity. Doses up to 20–30 mg/day have been used historically but cross into non-selective MAO inhibition with full tyramine-diet implications.
| Phase | Dose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1–2 (initiation) | 5 mg once daily | With breakfast |
| Maintenance | 5 mg twice daily | Breakfast and lunch — never evening |
| Maximum at MAO-B selectivity | 10 mg/day | Beyond this, tyramine restriction needed |
Common Side Effects
Insomnia (very common — the most common reason for discontinuation), headache, nausea, dizziness, postural hypotension, dry mouth, increased liver enzymes. Less common: confusion, hallucinations, agitation, mood changes. With levodopa: increased dyskinesia, may need to lower the levodopa dose by 10–30%.
Drug and Food Interactions
- Antidepressants — SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs: avoid. If a serotonergic antidepressant is essential, mirtazapine or bupropion are sometimes used cautiously under specialist supervision.
- Opioids — pethidine, tramadol, methadone: contraindicated. Morphine, codeine, oxycodone are safer alternatives if analgesia is required.
- Sympathomimetics — pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine: risk of hypertensive crisis. Avoid OTC decongestants.
- Other MAO inhibitors — phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue: contraindicated.
- CYP1A2 inducers/inhibitors — selegiline is metabolised by multiple CYP enzymes; clinically significant interactions are uncommon at MAO-B selective doses.
- Levodopa — intentional combination: start at the lower MAO-B dose and watch for dyskinesia (a sign that levodopa effect has been amplified). Levodopa dose may need a 10–30% reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Selgin instead of levodopa?
Yes, especially in early Parkinson disease. Selegiline as monotherapy gives modest symptom benefit and may delay the need for levodopa by months. As disease progresses, levodopa is almost always added.
How quickly will I feel an effect?
MAO-B inhibitors work gradually. Most patients notice a smoother “on” period and reduced “off” time within 2–4 weeks. The full benefit on motor fluctuations is usually clear by 4–8 weeks.
Will I have to follow a low-tyramine diet?
At normal prescribed doses (selegiline ≤ 10 mg/day, rasagiline 1 mg/day, safinamide ≤ 100 mg/day), no special diet is required. Above those doses, MAO-B selectivity is lost and tyramine restriction becomes important.
Does Selgin slow down Parkinson disease itself?
A neuroprotective or disease-modifying effect of MAO-B inhibitors has been studied (e.g. the DATATOP and ADAGIO trials with selegiline and rasagiline). Results are suggestive but not definitive. The drugs are prescribed primarily for symptom control, not as guaranteed disease-modifying therapy.
What if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember that day. If it is already evening or close to bedtime, skip it — selegiline and rasagiline can both cause insomnia, and a late dose can disrupt sleep. Never double-dose. Resume normal schedule the next day.
Can I drink alcohol with Selgin?
Moderate alcohol is not strictly forbidden, but heavy drinking and red-wine binges can interact with residual MAO inhibition and increase blood-pressure variability. Many Parkinson patients also have postural hypotension on dopaminergic therapy — alcohol worsens this. Limit to 1 standard drink occasionally.
Can I drive while taking Selgin?
Most patients tolerate Selgin without driving impairment. However, dopaminergic therapy as a whole can cause sudden-onset sleep (sleep attacks), particularly when Selgin is added to a dopamine agonist or levodopa. Until you know how you respond, avoid driving long distances or operating heavy machinery.
Is Selgin safe in older adults?
Yes — selegiline is widely used in elderly Parkinson patients. Watch for postural hypotension (rise from sitting slowly), confusion, hallucinations, and impulse-control changes. Lower starting doses may be appropriate.
Can Selgin be stopped abruptly?
No. Sudden withdrawal of any dopaminergic agent in a Parkinson patient can precipitate a neuroleptic-malignant-like syndrome with rigidity, fever and altered consciousness. If discontinuation is needed, taper over 1–2 weeks under medical supervision.
Will Selgin cause weight loss or weight gain?
Neither markedly. Some patients on selegiline lose a small amount of weight (the amphetamine-like metabolites can suppress appetite slightly). Rasagiline and safinamide are weight-neutral.
How does MedsBase ship Selgin?
Worldwide shipping in discreet packaging from a WHO-GMP certified manufacturer. Tablets are shipped in original sealed blister packs. Track your order from your MedsBase account.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15–30°C / 59–86°F), protected from heat, moisture and direct light. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified clinician. Parkinson disease and parkinsonian syndromes require individualised neurology care. Discuss all medications, supplements and pre-existing conditions with your doctor before starting, changing or stopping treatment. Do not abruptly discontinue dopaminergic therapy — sudden withdrawal can precipitate a neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome.
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| Strength | 5 mg |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 30 Tablet/s, 60 Tablet/s, 90 Tablet/s, 180 Tablet/s |
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