Emsam is a medication that contains the active ingredient selegiline. It is also known as a transdermal patch used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Emsam helps to increase certain chemicals in the brain that improve mood and emotional balance.
Expect to pay anywhere from £0.78 to £1.03 for a pills of Emsam. The disparity in cost arises from packaging volume and the grade of active ingredients (30 or 360 mg).
Emsam is the brand name for the generic medication selegiline. It exists in patch form as a transdermal system. Selegiline works as a selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
Emsam is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It is designed to help improve mood by increasing the availability of certain natural substances in the brain, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
Emsam inhibits the activity of monoamine oxidase enzymes. By blocking these enzymes, it prevents the breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, making more of these chemicals available in the brain.
The recommended starting dose is Emsam 6 mg per 24 hours, delivered via a transdermal patch. The dosage may be increased to 9 mg or 12 mg per 24 hours based on clinical response and tolerability. Patches should be applied once daily, at approximately the same time every day.
Apply Emsam patch to dry, intact skin on the upper torso, thigh, or outer surface of the arm. Rotate application sites to avoid irritation. Do not apply the patch to areas that are oily, hairy, irritated, or scarred.
Emsam patches should be stored at controlled room temperature, between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Keep the patches in their original sealed pouch until ready to use. Dispose of used patches properly by folding them in half, sticky sides together, and discarding them as municipal waste.
Emsam is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma. It should not be administered to those using SSRIs, SNRIs, other MAOIs, or certain analgesics, since severe and potentially fatal interactions can occur. This medication is also not suitable for individuals with a known hypersensitivity to selegiline or any components of the patch.
Common side effects may include application site reactions, headache, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. More serious effects could involve serotonin syndrome, hypertensive crisis, and orthostatic hypotension. Immediate medical attention should be sought for any severe adverse reactions.
Emsam can interact with a variety of medications, including antidepressants, opioids, and sympathomimetic drugs. Alcohol and tyramine-rich foods can produce adverse reactions. Inform healthcare providers of all medications and supplements being taken to avoid dangerous interactions.
Emsam’s safety and efficacy in children and adolescents have not been established. It should be used with caution in the elderly, who may be more susceptible to side effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using Emsam, due to potential risks to the fetus or infant.
Instruct patients on the proper application technique and the importance of changing the patch daily. Advise them to monitor for any adverse reactions and to report serious side effects immediately. Educate patients on the importance of adherence to dietary restrictions to minimize the risk of hypertensive crises.
Regular monitoring should include blood pressure frequency to detect hypertensive reactions. Periodic assessment of psychiatric symptoms is recommended to evaluate treatment efficacy and the emergence of potential side effects. Healthcare providers may also monitor liver function tests during prolonged use of Emsam.
Patients should be instructed on the correct disposal of used patches, emphasizing the importance of folding the patch in half, sticking the adhesive sides together, and placing it in a municipal waste container. This prevents unintentional exposure to others.
Following application, selegiline is absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream. Plasma concentrations are typically reached between 18 to 22 hours post-application. Selegiline is metabolized primarily in the liver and excreted via urine. The elimination half-life is approximately 18 to 25 hours.
Uncommon but serious reactions with Emsam may include hypertensive crisis, severe orthostatic hypotension, and serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Immediate medical intervention is necessary if these conditions are suspected.
Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs to provide Emsam at a reduced cost. Patients should inquire with their healthcare provider or the manufacturer’s assistance program for eligibility criteria and application processes.