How does selegiline affect dopamine?

Selegiline is in a group of medications called monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine (a natural substance that is needed to control movement) in the brain.

Is selegiline a dopamine facilitator?

Besides the inhibition of MAO-B, selegiline also inhibits the uptake of dopamine and noradrenaline into presynaptic nerve and increases the turnover of dopamine. Thanks to these properties, selegiline significantly potentiates the pharmacological effects of levodopa.

Does selegiline increase serotonin?

In larger doses (more than 20 mg/day), it loses its specificity for MAO-B and also inhibits MAO-A, which increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

What is the effect of selegiline?

Dizziness, abdominal pain, dry mouth, nausea, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If you are also taking levodopa, you may experience more side effects from the levodopa when taking selegiline.

What are the advantages of carbidopa levodopa?

Carbidopa/levodopa remains the most effective drug to treat PD. In addition to helping prevent nausea, carbidopa prevents levodopa from being converted into dopamine prematurely in the bloodstream, allowing more of it to get to the brain.

How can I increase my dopamine activity?

Getting enough sleep, exercising, listening to music, meditating, and spending time in the sun can all boost dopamine levels. Overall, a balanced diet and lifestyle can go a long way in increasing your body’s natural production of dopamine and helping your brain function at its best.

Can selegiline be used for depression?

Transdermal selegiline, an irreversible selective monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor, is approved as an antidepressant in the USA. Some reports have shown that oral selegiline treatment can also be effective in treating depression.