Selegiline: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you hear Selegiline, a selective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor used to treat Parkinson’s disease and sometimes depression. Also known as L-deprenyl, it works by slowing the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, helping nerve cells communicate better. Unlike older Parkinson’s drugs that just replace dopamine, Selegiline helps your body hold onto what it already makes—making it a long-term support tool, not just a quick fix.

It’s not just for movement issues. Some doctors use it for depression, especially in older adults who don’t respond well to SSRIs. That’s because it also affects norepinephrine and serotonin at higher doses, though its main power lies in protecting dopamine. This makes it unique among brain-targeting meds. People taking it often notice better focus, less fatigue, and smoother movements over time—not instant results, but steady progress. It’s often paired with levodopa to reduce the amount needed, which lowers side effects like nausea or involuntary movements.

Selegiline is available as a pill, a dissolving tablet, or a skin patch. The patch version avoids some stomach issues and keeps levels steady, which matters because this drug interacts with foods and other meds. You can’t eat aged cheeses, cured meats, or drink red wine in large amounts while on it—those can trigger dangerous blood pressure spikes. It also shouldn’t be mixed with other antidepressants like SSRIs or SNRIs without careful timing. That’s why doctors start low and go slow.

There are other MAO-B inhibitors like rasagiline and safinamide, but Selegiline has been around longer and has more real-world data. It’s cheaper than newer options, which is why many clinics still reach for it first. If you’re managing Parkinson’s and need to preserve dopamine, or if standard depression treatments haven’t worked, Selegiline might be worth discussing. It’s not a miracle drug, but for many, it’s a quiet game-changer.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve used Selegiline, what doctors say about combining it with other treatments, and how it compares to alternatives like rasagiline or dopamine agonists. You’ll also see how it fits into broader discussions about brain chemistry, medication safety, and long-term neurological care.