Deprenyl (selegiline) is an oral prescription medication indicated to help manage symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. This medication is a monoamine oxidase type B inhibitor (MAO-B) and is believed to work by increasing the amount of dopamine---a neurochemical involved in motor control---within the brain. Speak with your doctor to discuss the side effects of deprenyl before beginning treatment with this medication.
Stomach Upset
While taking this medication, you can experience a number of stomach-related side effects. Symptoms of stomach upset can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Certain people can also experience stomach pain, heartburn, gas, bloating, difficulty swallowing or dry mouth, explains Medline Plus, a health information website established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Severe, sudden nausea or vomiting requires immediate medical attention.
Dizziness
During treatment with this medication, you can develop episodes of dizziness or lightheadedness. Some patients may faint or lose consciousness after taking a dose of this medication. If you feel dizzy after taking deprenyl, sit down until this sensation passes to avoid further injury from falling.
Difficulty Sleeping
Patients receiving treatment with deprenyl can develop sleeping difficulties as a side effect of this medication. Certain patients can experience problems falling asleep or staying asleep---a condition known as insomnia. You can also develop unusual or vivid dreams while taking this medication, which can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night. Sleeping difficulties can contribute to additional symptoms of daytime sleepiness or fatigue. If you experience hallucinations, contact your doctor immediately.
Depression
You can experience mood alterations as a side effect of deprenyl. Depressive symptoms, including fatigue, lack of interest in normal activities, difficulty concentrating, body aches and persistent sadness can develop in patients receiving deprenyl treatment. In 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that all antidepressant medications---including the MAO-B class of drugs---provide a black box warning noting the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in young adults receiving MAO-B treatment.
Skin Rash
While taking deprenyl, you can develop skin-related side effects as a result of this medication. Your skin can appear red or irritated, or you may develop purple-colored splotches across your skin, warns Medline Plus.
Muscle Pain
You can develop abnormal muscle pain while receiving deprenyl treatment. These painful sensations typically occur within the legs or back and may be accompanied by additional symptoms, such as weakness. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a stiff, sore neck or experience abnormal tremors or convulsions.
Allergic Reaction
Certain people can experience an allergic reaction to deprenyl after taking a dose of this medication. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the mouth, enlarged pupils, chest pain, abnormal heart rate or loss of consciousness. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction to deprenyl.
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