Selegiline (Emsam)
$0.97
Emsam is a selegiline skin patch used for depression, delivering the medicine steadily through the skin.
Drug Information
5 reviews for Selegiline (Emsam)
Emsam contains selegiline, an antidepressant from a group called MAOIs. It is delivered through the skin as a patch, which lets the medicine go straight into the blood.
Because it is an MAOI, it has important food and medicine rules, especially at higher doses. Your doctor will explain these to you.
What is it used for?
- Major depression in adults
How does it work?
Selegiline blocks an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, which breaks down mood chemicals like serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. More of these chemicals stay available in the brain.
This information is written in simple words to help you understand this product. It does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Read these points before you start. If any of them apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
- Do not use it with other antidepressants, St John's wort, pethidine, tramadol, methadone, dextromethorphan (cough medicine), cold medicines with pseudoephedrine, or carbamazepine.
- At doses above 6 mg a day, avoid foods high in tyramine (aged cheese, cured meats, soy sauce, draught beer) as they can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
- Antidepressants can rarely cause thoughts of self-harm, especially in people under 25. Tell someone close to you that you are using it.
- Keep the patch away from heat, such as heating pads, electric blankets or hot tubs.
- Tell your doctor if you have bipolar disorder, heart problems or high blood pressure.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every other medicine, vitamin or herbal product you use.
- Keep this product out of the reach and sight of children.
Like all medicines, Emsam can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them.
Common side effects
- Redness or itching where the patch is applied
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Diarrhoea or dry mouth
These are usually mild and often get better as your body gets used to it. Tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.
Stop using it and get medical help straight away if you notice:
- A sudden, severe headache, stiff neck, fast heartbeat, chest pain or sweating (possible dangerous rise in blood pressure)
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Fever, shaking, confusion and a fast heartbeat (serotonin syndrome)
This is not a complete list. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Apply one patch once a day to clean, dry, hairless skin on the upper chest, back, thigh or upper arm.
- Press it firmly for 30 seconds. Wash your hands afterwards.
- Remove the old patch before putting on a new one, and use a different spot each day.
- The usual starting dose is 6 mg per 24 hours. Your doctor may raise it.
If you miss a dose: Put a new patch on as soon as you remember, then carry on at your usual time the next day. Never wear two patches at once.
If you use too much: Contact your doctor, a poison control centre or your local emergency number straight away, even if you feel fine. Take the pack with you.
How to store it: Keep it in its original pack at room temperature (below 25°C / 77°F), away from heat, damp and direct sunlight. Do not use it after the expiry date.
- QDo I need to avoid certain foods with Emsam?
- A
At the starting dose (6 mg), food rules are usually not needed. At higher doses, avoid foods high in tyramine. Your doctor will give you a list.
- QCan I shower with the Emsam patch on?
- A
Yes. Normal bathing is fine, but avoid long hot baths, saunas and hot tubs.
- QWhat if the patch falls off?
- A
Put on a new one and keep your usual change time.

Ali Ward –
I was a bit unsure at first, but ordering here worked out fine. The Emsam arrived sealed and the box was in good shape. And everything on the product page was clear, so I knew what I was getting. Would not hesitate to use this site again.
Joseph Patterson –
I decided to try this site and it turned out well. I did not have to hunt around, the item was listed right where I expected. I checked everything against my order and it was all correct. Everything went well, so I will be back.
Meera Kaczmarek –
My experience with this order was good. Everything was in order when I opened the box. I should add that the courier delivered it safely and on schedule. Nothing negative to say, it was a good one.
Hassan Tan –
The team kept me updated on my order status. I would order here again. The listing was easy to understand and nothing felt confusing.
Benjamin Joshi –
I have ordered from here before and it went well again. The parcel looked untouched when it got to me. My Selegiline reached me without any delays.