Prescription medicine
Selegiline Brand names: Emsam, Zelapar
Selegiline (Emsam) is a prescription medicine with an FDA approval on record since 1989. FDA's NDC Directory lists it from 11 generic labelers, and pharmacies paid $0.756 per selegiline HCl 5 mg capsule in the October 7, 2026 NADAC survey; its other strengths are brand-only, $75.00 per Emsam 6 mg/24 hours patch.
- Generic listed
Check it at the source: the selegiline FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 7, 2024, Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc.); the NDA 19334 record on Drugs@FDA; every selegiline label on DailyMed.
Highlights of the record
FDA label of August 7, 2024; NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA and Orange Book, October 8, 2026; NADAC October 7, 2026
Used for
From the label: indications and usageSelegiline capsules, USP are indicated as an adjunct in the management of Parkinsonian patients being treated with levodopa/carbidopa who exhibit deterioration in the quality of their response to this therapy.
Forms and strengths
- 1.25 mg
- 5 mg
- 6 mg/24h
- 9 mg/24h
- 12 mg/24h
Capsule; tablet; patch; orally disintegrating tablet.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- June 5, 1989 Selegiline Hydrochloride, Quagen; Drugs@FDA’s file, where older or withdrawn approvals can be missing
- Generic approvals
- 13 first August 2, 1996; 5 with a marketed status in Drugs@FDA
- Labelers listed (NDC)
- 13 of which 11 under generic applications, 2 under brand applications, repackagers included
Supply and safety
- Pharmacy cost (NADAC)
- $0.756 per capsule Selegiline HCl 5 mg capsule
- Shortage (FDA)
- No current entry
- Recalls by its makers (FDA)
- 1 since 2013 0 Class I among all firms' recalls; latest August 23, 2016; 1 more by firms not listed as its makers
- FAERS reports
- 3,527 through July 30, 2026
What is selegiline used for?
From the label: indications and usageSelegiline capsules, USP are indicated as an adjunct in the management of Parkinsonian patients being treated with levodopa/carbidopa who exhibit deterioration in the quality of their response to this therapy. There is no evidence from controlled studies that selegiline has any beneficial effect in the absence of concurrent levodopa therapy. Evidence supporting this claim was obtained in randomized controlled clinical investigations that compared the effects of added selegiline or placebo in patients receiving levodopa/carbidopa. […]
Conditions named in the indications of selegiline's FDA labels, with every medicine labeled for each:
From other selegiline labelsParkinson's disease: INDICATIONS AND USAGE Selegiline capsules, USP are indicated as an adjunct in the management of Parkinsonian patients being treated with levodopa/carbidopa who exhibit deterioration in the quality of their response to this therapy.
Depression: EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) indicated for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) [see Clinical Studies (14) ].
FDA pharmacologic class: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor and Monoamine Oxidase Type B Inhibitor.
Source: FDA drug label (Selegiline Hydrochloride), Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc., effective August 7, 2024 (SPL set 23c4481f-d150-40c6-addb-b3e454ca914f), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the patient leaflet for selegiline say first?
The FDA-approved Medication Guide or Patient Information that comes with the medicine, in its own words.
From the patient leaflet: What is the most important information I should know about EMSAM?Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. 2. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have or have a family history of bipolar illness (also called manic-depressive illness) or suicidal thoughts or actions. How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions? • Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. • Call the healthcare provider right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. • Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call the healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms. Call a healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: • thoughts about suicide or dying • attempts to commit suicide • new or worse depression • new or worse anxiety • feeling agitated, restless, angry or irritable • panic attacks • trouble sleeping • new or worse irritability • acting aggressive, being angry or violent • acting on dangerous impulses • an extreme increase in activity or talking (mania) • other unusual changes in behavior or mood 3. EMSAM is not for children less than 12 years of age. EMSAM may cause a severe increase in blood pressure in children less than 12 years of age.
From the patient leaflet: What should I avoid while using EMSAM?Avoid exposing the EMSAM application site to external sources of direct heat, such as heating pads or electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, and prolonged direct sunlight. • Do not eat foods or drink beverages that contain high amounts of tyramine while using EMSAM 9 mg or EMSAM 12 mg or for 2 weeks after you stop using EMSAM 9 mg or EMSAM 12 mg. Continue to avoid tyramine-rich foods or beverages for 2 weeks after a dose reduction to EMSAM 6 mg. • If you start and continue EMSAM 6 mg you do not need to make any diet changes. • The table below lists foods and drinks you should avoid while you use EMSAM 9 mg and EMSAM 12 mg. Type of Food and Drink Foods and drinks you should avoid that contain Tyramine Meat, Poultry, and Fish • air dried, aged and fermented meats, sausages and salamis • pickled herring • any spoiled or improperly stored meat, poultry, and fish. […]
From the patient leaflet: How should I store EMSAM?Store EMSAM at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). • Store EMSAM in the sealed pouch it comes in until you are ready to use it. • Keep EMSAM and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Source: FDA drug label (EMSAM), Viatris Specialty LLC, effective May 15, 2020 (SPL set b891bd9f-fdb8-4862-89c5-ecdd700398a3), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
Is there a generic for selegiline (Emsam)?
The FDA approved the first generic selegiline on August 2, 1996. 13 generic applications are approved; 5 of them carry a current (not discontinued) marketing status in Drugs@FDA; that status is not evidence that the generic is on sale.
FDA's NDC Directory lists selegiline from 11 labelers under a generic (ANDA) application and from 2 brand labelers. A listing means the company has registered the product for sale; it does not show that every pharmacy stocks it.
- 1989 earliest approval on file
- 1996 first generic approved
- red ticks recalls
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory and the Orange Book (openFDA bulk files, October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay for selegiline (Emsam)?
In CMS's NADAC survey of October 7, 2026, pharmacies paid $0.756 per Selegiline HCl 5 mg capsule, up 19% from $0.636 on October 8, 2025. Prices per unit in the table differ many-fold by strength, form and brand, so compare like with like. The chart's scale runs from the lowest to the highest price shown, not from zero. NADAC is what retail pharmacies paid their wholesalers, per unit, in CMS's monthly survey; what a patient pays depends on insurance and the pharmacy.
- Selegiline HCl 5 mg capsule (generic)
- Emsam 6 mg/24 hours patch (brand)
| Strength and form | Brand or generic | Pharmacy cost | 30 tablets, or one pen or vial | 12-month change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selegiline HCl 5 mg capsule | Generic | $0.756 per capsule | $22.69 | +19% |
| Selegiline HCl 5 mg tablet | Generic | $0.766 per tablet | $22.97 | -7% |
| Emsam 12 mg/24 hours patch | Brand | $75.40 per patch many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | n/a | +5% |
| Emsam 6 mg/24 hours patch | Brand | $75.00 per patch many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | n/a | +5% |
| Emsam 9 mg/24 hours patch | Brand | $75.18 per patch many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | n/a | +5% |
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price
Has selegiline been recalled?
The FDA's Enforcement Report lists 2 recalls naming selegiline since 2013: 0 Class I (the most serious), 1 Class II, 1 Class III; 0 still ongoing. 1 of them is by a firm that FDA's NDC Directory does not list as a maker of selegiline and that holds no application for it in Drugs@FDA, such as compounding pharmacies or bulk-ingredient suppliers; the recall notice names the product recalled. A recall names products and lots, not every product of the medicine.
| Started | Class | Company | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 23, 2016 | Class III | Stason Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Stason Pharmaceuticals is recalling Selegiline HCl tablets, USP 5mg 60 count bottle due to an out of specification result for dissolution of stability samples. |
| July 2, 2013 | Class II | Aidapak Services, LLC not a listed maker | Labeling:Label Mixup; SELEGILINE HCL, Capsule, 5 mg may be potentially mislabeled as ITRACONAZOLE, Capsule, 100 mg, NDC 10147170003, Pedigree: AD54549_10, EXP … |
Source: FDA Enforcement Report (drug recalls) via openFDA, through October 8, 2026
What does the selegiline label say about other medicines?
The selegiline label names 36 other medicines in its interaction, contraindication or warning sections. The labels of 21 other medicines name selegiline. The sentences are the labels' own; a label lists what its studies and reports found, not every interaction.
| Medicine named | Section | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Alprazolam | drug interactions | No dose adjustment for EMSAM is needed when EMSAM is used concomitantly with alcohol, alprazolam, ibuprofen, olanzapine, risperidone, levothyroxine, and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole). |
| Amitriptyline | warnings | A similar reaction has been reported for a patient on amitriptyline and selegiline. |
| Buspirone | drug interactions | Amines and Buspirone The use of EMSAM with sympathomimetic amines or buspirone may produce substantial elevations in blood pressure. |
| Carbamazepine | drug interactions | Drugs that induce CYP3A4 (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, nafcillin, phenobarbital, and rifampin) should be used with caution. |
| Clomipramine | contraindications | … norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs, e.g., venlafaxine and duloxetine); the tricyclic antidepressants clomipramine and imipramine, the opiate analgesics meperidine, tramadol, methadone, pentazocine, and propoxyphene; … |
| Cyclobenzaprine | contraindications | ZELAPAR is contraindicated in patients using the following drugs: opioid drugs (e.g., meperidine, tramadol, methadone), MAO inhibitors including selective MAO-B inhibitors, dextromethorphan, St. John’s wort, and cyclobenzaprine |
| Dextromethorphan | contraindications | ZELAPAR is contraindicated in patients using the following drugs: opioid drugs (e.g., meperidine, tramadol, methadone), MAO inhibitors including selective MAO-B inhibitors, dextromethorphan, St. John’s wort, and cyclobenzaprine |
| Duloxetine | contraindications | EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is contraindicated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine); serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs, e.g., venlafaxine and duloxetine); … |
| Ephedrine | drug interactions | … has been reported in a patient taking the recommended doses of selegiline and a sympathomimetic medication (ephedrine). |
| Fluoxetine | warnings | … extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma have been reported with patients receiving a combination of fluoxetine hydrochloride and non-selective MAOIs. |
| Ibuprofen | drug interactions | No dose adjustment for EMSAM is needed when EMSAM is used concomitantly with alcohol, alprazolam, ibuprofen, olanzapine, risperidone, levothyroxine, and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole). |
| Imipramine | contraindications | … reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs, e.g., venlafaxine and duloxetine); the tricyclic antidepressants clomipramine and imipramine, the opiate analgesics meperidine, tramadol, methadone, pentazocine, and propoxyphene; … |
| Ketoconazole | drug interactions | No dose adjustment for EMSAM is needed when EMSAM is used concomitantly with alcohol, alprazolam, ibuprofen, olanzapine, risperidone, levothyroxine, and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole). |
| Levodopa | warnings and precautions | Dyskinesia ZELAPAR may potentiate dopaminergic side effects of levodopa and may cause dyskinesia or exacerbate preexisting dyskinesia. |
Every other medicine the selegiline label names
| Medicine named | Section | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Levothyroxine | drug interactions | No dose adjustment for EMSAM is needed when EMSAM is used concomitantly with alcohol, alprazolam, ibuprofen, olanzapine, risperidone, levothyroxine, and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole). |
| Linezolid | contraindications | … other drugs that are potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase, including linezolid), because of an increased risk for hypertensive crisis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. |
| Meperidine | contraindications | Selegiline is contraindicated for use with meperidine (DEMEROL & other trade names). |
| Methadone | contraindications | CONTRAINDICATIONS ZELAPAR is contraindicated in patients with: Concomitant use of opioid drugs (e.g., meperidine, tramadol, or methadone). |
| Metoclopramide | drug interactions | It is possible that dopamine antagonists, such as antipsychotics or metoclopramide, could diminish the effectiveness of ZELAPAR. |
| Nafcillin | drug interactions | Drugs that induce CYP3A4 (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, nafcillin, phenobarbital, and rifampin) should be used with caution. |
| Olanzapine | warnings and precautions | … inhibitors, such as selegiline (ELDEPRYL), rasagiline (AZILECT), and olanzapine (Zydis) selegiline (ZELAPAR). |
| Paroxetine | warnings | Similar signs have been reported in some patients on the combination of selegiline (10 mg a day) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors including fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine. |
| Phenelzine | warnings | Severe CNS toxicity associated with hyperpyrexia and death have been reported with the combination of tricyclic antidepressants and non-selective MAOIs (Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine). |
| Phenobarbital | drug interactions | Drugs that induce CYP3A4 (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, nafcillin, phenobarbital, and rifampin) should be used with caution. |
| Phenylephrine | drug interactions | … preparations that contain sympathomimetic amines (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, and ephedrine). |
| Phenytoin | drug interactions | Drugs that induce CYP3A4 (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, nafcillin, phenobarbital, and rifampin) should be used with caution. |
| Protriptyline | warnings | Another patient receiving protriptyline and selegiline developed tremors, agitation, and restlessness followed by unresponsiveness and death two weeks after selegiline was added. |
| Pseudoephedrine | drug interactions | … weight-reducing preparations that contain sympathomimetic amines (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, and ephedrine). |
| Rasagiline | warnings and precautions | … tranylcypromine) or selective MAO-B inhibitors, such as selegiline (ELDEPRYL), rasagiline (AZILECT), and olanzapine (Zydis) selegiline (ZELAPAR). |
| Rifampin | drug interactions | Drugs that induce CYP3A4 (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, nafcillin, phenobarbital, and rifampin) should be used with caution. |
| Risperidone | drug interactions | No dose adjustment for EMSAM is needed when EMSAM is used concomitantly with alcohol, alprazolam, ibuprofen, olanzapine, risperidone, levothyroxine, and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole). |
| Sertraline | warnings | Similar signs have been reported in some patients on the combination of selegiline (10 mg a day) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors including fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine. |
| Tramadol | contraindications | CONTRAINDICATIONS ZELAPAR is contraindicated in patients with: Concomitant use of opioid drugs (e.g., meperidine, tramadol, or methadone). |
| Tranylcypromine | warnings | Severe CNS toxicity associated with hyperpyrexia and death have been reported with the combination of tricyclic antidepressants and non-selective MAOIs (Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine). |
| Venlafaxine | contraindications | … paroxetine); serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs, e.g., venlafaxine and duloxetine); the tricyclic antidepressants clomipramine and imipramine, the opiate analgesics meperidine … |
| Warfarin | drug interactions | No dose adjustment of alprazolam, ibuprofen, levothyroxine, olanzapine, risperidone, warfarin, or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) is necessary when these drugs are used in combination … |
Other labels that name selegiline
Source: FDA drug label (Selegiline Hydrochloride), Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc., effective August 7, 2024 (SPL set 23c4481f-d150-40c6-addb-b3e454ca914f), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What do FAERS reports show for selegiline?
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System holds 3,527 reports that list selegiline among the medicines taken, through July 30, 2026, each a report of something that happened, not proof the medicine caused it; 233 are coded as a death and 834 as a hospital stay. Counts follow how widely a medicine is used and watched, and they are not a measure of how risky it is.
Reports received each year
The most reported reactions
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA, reports through July 30, 2026
What else is labeled for the same conditions as selegiline?
13 other medicines are given the same way (oral) and in the same FDA class as selegiline or labeled mainly for the same use (parkinson's disease), the same class first. Parkinson's disease lists all 19 medicines labeled for it, by any route. The first 8 are below. They are listed as records, not as substitutes: whether one can replace another is a prescriber's decision.
| Medicine | Shared indication | Generic labelers (oral) | Pharmacy cost | Shortage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasagiline | Parkinson's disease | 14 labelers | $0.521 per tablet 0.5 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Ropinirole | Parkinson's disease | 27 labelers | $0.046 per tablet 0.25 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Pramipexole | Parkinson's disease | 22 labelers | $0.0452 per tablet 0.25 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Carbidopa and levodopa | Parkinson's disease | 33 labelers | $0.0759 per tablet 25-100 tablet | No current entry |
| Benztropine | Parkinson's disease | 19 labelers | $0.0753 per tablet 1 mg tablet | A presentation being discontinued |
| Carbidopa and entacapone and levodopa | Parkinson's disease | 4 labelers | $0.695 per tablet 25-100-200 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Trihexyphenidyl | Parkinson's disease | 8 labelers | $0.0884 per tablet 2 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Entacapone | Parkinson's disease | 11 labelers | $0.325 per tablet 200 mg tablet | No current entry |
Every medicine labeled for the same conditions as selegiline
Source: FDA drug labels (indications), NDC Directory, NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages (October 8, 2026)
How does selegiline compare with medicines for the same use?
1 side-by-side page set selegiline beside a medicine whose label shares a use: approvals, generics, pharmacy cost, warnings and supply.
What next?
- Alternatives to selegiline
- 13 medicines for the same use
- Other MAO inhibitors
- the pharmacologic class, with prices and generics
- Selegiline side effects
- the label's list beside FAERS reports
- Check an interaction
- what two or more labels say about each other