What is emsam?

What is EmSam and what does it treat?

EmSam is the brand name for selegiline, a prescription medicine used to treat major depressive disorder (depression) [1]. It belongs to the class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) [1].

How does EmSam work?

EmSam works by affecting brain chemicals involved in mood. As an MAOI, selegiline changes how the body breaks down certain neurotransmitters, which can help reduce depressive symptoms [1].

What form does EmSam come in?

EmSam comes as a transdermal patch (meaning the medicine is delivered through the skin) [1].

What is the prescribing goal for EmSam?

The intent of treatment with EmSam is to relieve symptoms of major depressive disorder in eligible patients [1].

Are there special safety concerns with MAOIs like EmSam?

Because EmSam is an MAOI, it can have important drug and food interaction risks typical of this drug class. These include the need for careful guidance about what to take alongside it and what to avoid while using it [1].

Sources

[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=021368