Rasagiline is an irreversible monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor used primarily to treat symptoms of early Parkinson’s disease. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications like levodopa/carbidopa. By inhibiting MAO-B, rasagiline helps increase the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain, which are neurotransmitters involved in regulating movement and mood.
Rasagiline Uses:
Parkinson’s Disease : It is prescribed to alleviate symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement associated with Parkinson’s disease. It can also reduce “off” times, periods when Parkinson’s symptoms worsen despite treatment.
Mechanism of Action : Rasagiline’s inhibition of MAO-B helps maintain higher levels of dopamine in the brain, which is crucial for motor function.
How to Use Rasagiline:
Take rasagiline orally, once daily, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. It’s important not to exceed the prescribed dosage or frequency.
Avoid suddenly stopping the medication without consulting your doctor, as this can worsen certain conditions.
Tyramine-rich foods (like aged cheeses) should be avoided while taking rasagiline to prevent a potentially dangerous increase in blood pressure. Consult your doctor or a dietician for specific dietary recommendations.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Rasagiline Side Effects:
Common side effects may include depressed mood, sleep problems, involuntary muscle movements, loss of appetite, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, joint pain, rash, cough, flu symptoms, dry mouth, and swelling of hands or feet.
Precautions:
Inform your doctor about any allergies and medical history, especially of liver disease, glaucoma, breathing problems, heart disease, kidney disease, stomach/intestinal ulcers, mood disorders, or blood disorders.
Rasagiline may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcohol consumption, which can exacerbate these effects.
Use during pregnancy is only recommended if clearly needed, as its effects on the fetus are not well understood. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking rasagiline.
Be cautious of drug interactions, especially with medications that increase serotonin levels or other MAO inhibitors.
Interactions:
Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, to avoid interactions that could affect the safety and efficacy of rasagiline.
Storage:
Store rasagiline away from heat, light, and moisture at room temperature. Keep it out of reach of children.
Rasagiline vs Selegiline:
Rasagiline : An irreversible MAO-B inhibitor used to treat early Parkinson’s disease symptoms by increasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels.
Selegiline : Also an MAO-B inhibitor used for Parkinson’s disease treatment, it works by preventing dopamine breakdown, thereby increasing its activity. Selegiline is also used in the treatment of major depressive disorder.
