Summary
Selegiline is a selective, irreversible MAO-B inhibitor at therapeutic doses (5-10 mg/day oral), used for Parkinson's disease and major depressive disorder. At higher doses (>20 mg/day), selectivity is lost and it inhibits both MAO-A and MAO-B, increasing risk of hypertensive crisis with tyramine-rich foods. The transdermal form (Emsam) is used for depression and has less dietary restriction at lower doses due to reduced first-pass metabolism. Metabolizes to L-methamphetamine and L-amphetamine, which may cause mild stimulant effects. Dangerous interactions with serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MDMA, tramadol) and certain opioids (meperidine).
Dose Information
| ROA | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transdermal | 3-6mg/24h | - | - | - |
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Comeup | Peak | After Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 60 min | 1-2 hrs | 1-2 hrs | 2 hrs |
| Transdermal | - | 6-12 hrs | 6-12 hrs | 2 hrs |
Tolerance
Build-up
develops over days to weeks of regular use
Reset
3–7 days for acute; 1–3 weeks for full reset
Effects
Positive
- Stimulation
- Reduced fatigue
- Physical fatigue reduction
Negative
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Slight appetite suppression
- Occasional insomnia
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Headache
Positive
- Motivation enhancement
- Cognitive enhancement
- Focus enhancement
- Memory enhancement
- Mood lift
- Wakefulness
- Subtle mental alertness
- Enhanced motivation
Negative
- Anxiety
- Agitation
Positive
- Libido enhancement
- Increased libido
- Increased music appreciation
- Increased Music Appreciation
Negative
- Light sensitivity
- Appetite suppression
- Dehydration
- Photophobia
- Appetite Suppression
- Spontaneous physical sensations