Azilect (rasagiline) is a medication used to manage Parkinson's disease. Specifically, it treats tremors and dyskinesia (slow movements). According to MedlinePlus, Azilect is a monoamine oxidase type B inhibitor, and can be used alone or in combination with other Parkinson's disease medications. This medication increases the levels of monoamine oxidase in the brain. Your doctor may prescribe 0.5, 1 or 2mg daily, depending on your symptoms.
Common Side Effects
In a controlled study of 149 patients receiving 1mg of Azilect, the National Library of Medicine says that 14 percent had a headache, 7 percent developed arthralgia (joint pain) and indigestion, and 5 percent suffered from depression, falls and the flu. Additionally, 3 percent suffered from conjunctivitis (eye infection), fever, gastroenteritis (stomach infection) and rhinitis (allergy-like symptoms such as a runny nose and watery eyes), while 2 percent suffered from arthritis, ecchymosis (bruising), fatigue, neck pain, paresthesias (numbness and tingling) and vertigo. Drugs.com says that Azilect can also cause constipation, diarrhea, stomach problems, weight loss, alopecia (hair loss) and decreased libido (sex drive). Other common side effects include unsteadiness, lack of coordination, sweating and fever, says MedlinePlus.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com says that Azilect can cause such serious side effects as hallucinations, muscle twitching, skin blistering, lightheadedness and fainting spells. It can cause severe hypertension (high blood pressure) which can lead to such symptoms as an intense headache, blurry vision, chest pain, vomiting, nausea and convulsions. Azilect may cause agitation, confusion, strange thoughts and behaviors, unsteadiness, and balance or speech problems. Other critical side effects include trouble breathing and loss of consciousness.
Other Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine indicates that Azilect can also cause chills, flank pain, lack of physical strength (asthenia), electrical heart conduction problems like a bundle branch block, cerebral hemorrhage (brain bleed) and hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels). It can cause mouth or esophageal ulcers, melena (black stools), facial paralysis, eczema (skin condition), urinary retention and priapism (prolonged erection).
Warnings
Avoid Azilect if you are allergic to it or any of its components. Dangerous side effects include trouble breathing, hives and swelling of the face, throat and lips.
Do not use Azilect if you suffer from pheochromocytoma (a condition of increased adrenaline levels) or liver problems. Azilect can worsen these conditions.
Avoid eating foods and beverages containing tyramine, such as cheese, sauerkraut, red wines and beers. Drugs.com says you can develop nausea, vomiting, chest pain, seizures and paresthesias (numbness).
MedlinePlus says you should tell your doctor if you are taking such drugs as tramadol, dextromethorphan, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin and citalopram. These drugs can interfere with Azilect's effectiveness and cause the aforementioned side effects.
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