Rasagiline is used alone or in combination with another medication to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (a slowly progressing disease of the nervous system causing a fixed face without expression, tremor at rest, slowing of movements, walking with shuffling steps, stooped posture and muscle weakness). Rasagiline is in a class of medications called monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B inhibitors. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.
Rasagiline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take rasagiline at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rasagiline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of rasagiline and may increase your dose based upon your body's response to this medication.
Do not stop taking rasagiline without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking rasagiline, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as a fever; muscle stiffness; unsteadiness, wobbliness, or lack of coordination; or changes in consciousness. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms when your dose of rasagiline is decreased.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
You will need to avoid eating foods that contain very high amounts of tyramine, such as aged cheeses (e.g., Stilton or blue cheese) during your treatment with rasagiline. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about which foods you should avoid during your treatment or if you do not feel well after eating or drinking certain foods while taking rasagiline.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time the next day.
mild headache
joint or neck pain
heartburn
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
constipation
diarrhea
loss of appetite
weight loss
flu-like symptoms
fever
sweating
red, swollen, and/or itchy eyes
dry mouth
swollen gums
unsteadiness, wobbliness, or lack of coordination
involuntary, repeated body movements
lack of energy
sleepiness
abnormal dreams
depression
pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
rash
bruising or purple discoloration on skin
severe headache
blurred vision
seizures
chest pain
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
confusion
unconsciousness
slow or difficult speech
dizziness or faintness
weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
extreme restlessness
difficulty thinking clearly or understanding reality
Rasagiline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
drowsiness
dizziness
faintness
irritability
hyperactivity
agitation or restlessness
severe headache
hallucinating
confusion
loss of coordination
difficulty opening the mouth
rigid body spasm that may include an arched back
twitching muscles
seizures
loss of consciousness
fast or irregular heart beat
pain in the area between the stomach and chest
difficulty breathing or slowed breathing
diarrhea
fever
sweating
cool, clammy skin
shivering
increase in pupil size (black circle in middle of eye)
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 04/15/2011
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.