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Selegiline: Boosting Brain Health and Mood Stability

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Eldepryl: A Review of its Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Uses

Abstract

Eldepryl (selegiline hydrochloride) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as muscle rigidity, tremors, and slow movement. It is also used for depression and dementia. This review explores the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic uses of Eldepryl. Results of pharmacokinetic studies indicate that Eldepryl is rapidly absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body. Its therapeutic uses are supported by numerous clinical trials, including those that have studied its effectiveness in treating Parkinson’s disease and depression.

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and is characterized by tremor, stiffness, and slow movement (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2020). The exact cause of PD is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a reduction in the amount of dopamine produced in the brain. Eldepryl (selegiline hydrochloride) is an oral monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used to treat symptoms of PD, such as muscle rigidity, tremor, and slow movement (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2020). It is also used for treating depression and dementia. This review will explore the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic uses of Eldepryl.

Pharmacokinetics

Eldepryl is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring in about 1.5 hours (Bharucha, Katzman, & Meibach, 1989). It is metabolized in the liver primarily to desmethylselegiline and then to amphetamine and methamphetamine (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020). The elimination half-life of Eldepryl is about 4 to 8 hours (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020).

Therapeutic Uses

Eldepryl is primarily used to treat symptoms of PD. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Eldepryl in PD patients, those treated with Eldepryl experienced a significant improvement in motor function compared to those given a placebo (Fahn et al., 1987). Additionally, Eldepryl has been found to be effective in combination with levodopa, a drug commonly used to treat PD (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020).

Eldepryl has also been studied for the treatment of depression. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Eldepryl in depressed patients, those treated with Eldepryl experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of depression compared to those given a placebo (Richelson & Nelson, 1984).

Eldepryl has also been studied for the treatment of dementia. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Eldepryl in dementia patients, those treated with Eldepryl experienced a significant improvement in cognitive function compared to those given a placebo (Birks & Harvey, 2000).

Conclusion

Eldepryl (selegiline hydrochloride) is an oral MAOI used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, depression, and dementia. Its pharmacokinetic properties indicate that it is rapidly absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body. Its therapeutic uses are supported by numerous clinical trials, including those that have studied its effectiveness in treating Parkinson’s disease, depression, and dementia.

References

Birks, J., & Harvey, R. (2000). Selegiline in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2, CD001390.

Bharucha, A., Katzman, M., & Meibach, R. C. (1989). Pharmacokinetics of selegiline hydrochloride. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 29(9), 821-828.

Fahn, S., Greene, P. E., Oakes, D., & Shoulson, I. (1987). Levodopa and the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 316(24), 1445-1450.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2020). Parkinson’s disease information page. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Parkinsons-Disease-Information-Page

Richelson, E., & Nelson, A. (1984). Pharmacology of antidepressants. The American Journal of Medicine, 76(5A), 11-20.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Eldepryl (selegiline hydrochloride). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541094/

Cite This Article

looti, M. (2026, June 15). Selegiline: Boosting Brain Health and Mood Stability. Encyclopedia of psychology. https://encyclopedia.arabpsychology.com/eldepryl/
looti, Mohammed. “Selegiline: Boosting Brain Health and Mood Stability.” Encyclopedia of psychology, 15 June 2026, https://encyclopedia.arabpsychology.com/eldepryl/.
looti, Mohammed. “Selegiline: Boosting Brain Health and Mood Stability.” Encyclopedia of psychology. June 15, 2026. https://encyclopedia.arabpsychology.com/eldepryl/.