Emsam

Definition

Emsam is a brand name for the transdermal patch form of selegiline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used to treat major depressive disorder. It works by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help elevate mood.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Emsam is applied as a skin patch and provides a continuous delivery of selegiline over 24 hours.
2. It selectively inhibits monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) at lower doses, but inhibits both MAO-A and MAO-B at higher doses.
3. Patients using Emsam should avoid tyramine-rich foods to prevent hypertensive crisis.
4. Common side effects include application site reactions, insomnia, and dry mouth.
5. Emsam is often considered for patients who have not responded well to other types of antidepressants.

Review Questions

• What enzyme does Emsam primarily inhibit at lower doses?
• Why must patients using Emsam avoid foods high in tyramine?
• What are some common side effects associated with Emsam?

Related terms

MAOI: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a class of drugs that prevent the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters.

Tyramine: An amino acid that can cause hypertensive crisis when ingested in large amounts by patients on MAOIs.

Selegiline: A medication used to treat depression and Parkinson's disease that is also known as Emsam in its transdermal form.