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Emsam Warnings and Precautions
Some Emsam warnings and precautions to be aware of include potentially lethal food and drug interactions, the safety of taking the medication during pregnancy, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in some people who take the drug. Emsam is not suitable for everyone; among the people who should not take Emsam are those who have pheochromocytoma and those who are about to undergo any surgery that involves a general or local anesthetic.
Emsam: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Emsam® (selegiline transdermal patch) if you have:- Heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- A history of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke"), or other bleeding in the brain (such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- Pheochromocytoma, a certain type of adrenal tumor
- An upcoming surgery or procedure involving general or local anesthetics
- Frequent headaches
- Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) or a family history of bipolar disorder
- A history of suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Drink alcohol regularly.
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD