How it works

Emsam contains a chemical called Selegiline that prevents the breakdown of chemicals in the brain which cause people to become depressed. This restores the levels of these chemicals to normal and reduces depression.

Guidelines for usage

Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.

Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.

Emsam may be used with or without food.

Avoid foods high in Tyramine while using Emsam patches because it may cause a dangerous increase in your blood pressure level.

NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.

Missed Dose

It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.

Do not panic if you have missed a dose.

Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.

How & where do I store Emsam?

The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.

Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.

Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.

Overdose Related Information

If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.

Safety Information

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.

Ensure that you mention the following:

Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
If you have a history of bipolar disorder, mania, mood or mental problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, twitching of the face and tongue and involuntary movements of the arms and legs)
Ifyou have a history of ulcer, heart problems, recent heart attack, seizures, blood problems, or a metabolism disorderMention any and all drugs that you may be taking, any vitamins, herbal supplements or over the counter medication also as it will help to prevent a possible interaction.

This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.

To be avoided

You must avoid using Emsam if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if

You are taking fluoxetine or have taken it within the past 5 weeks; you are taking bupropion, buspirone, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, meperidine, methadone, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (e.g., atomoxetine), propoxyphene, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (e.g., paroxetine), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine), St. John's wort, a tetracyclic antidepressant (e.g., mirtazapine), tramadol, or a tricyclic antidepressant (e.g., amitriptyline)
If you have taken any of these medicines within the past 7 days; you are taking another MAOI (e.g., phenelzine), a sympathomimetic, including an amphetamine, a cold product, or certain diet pills or preparations (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine), or sibutramine, or if you have taken any of these medicines within the past 7 days
You are taking a 5-HT agonist (e.g., sumatriptan), apraclonidine, carbamazepine, methylphenidate, oxcarbazepine, or nefazodone; you will be undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia or will be receiving cocaine or local anesthesia containing sympathomimetic vasoconstrictors; you have certain adrenal gland problems (eg, pheochromocytoma).

Using Alcohol

Emsam is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Emsam.

These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.

Possible Drug & Food Interactions

Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications. Emsam is known to have possible interactions with the following medications.

Bupropion, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, a MAOI (eg, phenelzine), meperidine, methadone, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (eg, atomoxetine), oral selegiline, propoxyphene, a serotonin or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (eg, duloxetine, venlafaxine), sibutramine, a SSRI (eg, fluoxetine), St. John's wort, sympathomimetics (eg, amphetamine , ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine), a tetracyclic antidepressant (eg, mirtazapine), or a tricyclic antidepressant (eg, amitriptyline), Apraclonidine or buspirone, Nefazodone or tryptophan, Tramadol, Carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine because they may increase the risk of Emsam's side effects 5-HT1 agonists (eg, sumatriptan), insulin, a meglitinide antidiabetic (eg, nateglinide), methylphenidate, or a sulfonylurea (eg, glipizide).

Additional Information

Emsam can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in young adults, children and teenagers. The chances of this occuring are higher in people suffering from bipolar disorder. So patients taking Emsam must be monitored closely. Even the slight change in their mood or behavior like depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks must reported to the doctor.

Important Information for Pregnant Women

Emsam is categorized under FDA category C.

Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.

Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.