Nootropic profile
Selegiline
A selective MAO-B inhibitor (Deprenyl/Emsam) used for Parkinson's disease and depression that doubles as a neuroprotective nootropic - boosting dopamine, phenylethylamine, and neurotrophic factors whilst increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and potentially extending lifespan.
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Selegiline?
Selegiline (L-deprenyl) is an irreversible, selective monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor originally developed for Parkinson's disease and later approved as a transdermal patch (Emsam) for major depressive disorder.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Nootropic/neuroprotective dose: 1-5 mg per day orally or sublingually. This range provides selective MAO-B inhibition and neurotrophic benefits without...
- Sublingual administration: 1-2.5 mg sublingually bypasses first-pass metabolism, increasing bioavailability approximately 4-fold and reducing amphetamine...
- Parkinson's dose: 5-10 mg per day (the standard clinical dose), though selectivity for MAO-B begins to decrease above 10 mg
- Transdermal patch (Emsam): 6-12 mg/24hr patches for depression - bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism entirely
- Timing: Take in the morning or early afternoon. Evening dosing may cause insomnia due to dopaminergic and stimulant metabolite effects
Watch out for
- Cheese effect threshold: At nootropic doses of 1-5 mg, the risk of tyramine-induced hypertensive crisis is negligible because MAO-A in the gut remains...
- Amphetamine metabolites: Oral selegiline produces small amounts of L-methamphetamine and L-amphetamine as metabolites, which may cause insomnia or anxiety...
- Drug interactions: Do not combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, meperidine, tramadol, or dextromethorphan due to risk of serotonin syndrome....
- Common side effects: Insomnia, dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea are the most frequently reported at clinical doses. Most side effects are dose-dependent and...
- Cardiovascular: Monitor blood pressure when initiating therapy. Orthostatic hypotension may occur, particularly in elderly patients or those taking...
The science, if you're curious.
- Irreversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase B, preventing the breakdown of dopamine and phenylethylamine in the brain. At low doses (1-5 mg), selectivity for...
- Increases synaptic dopamine availability by blocking its enzymatic degradation, supporting motivation, reward processing, motor function, and executive...
- Dramatically increases PEA levels - an endogenous trace amine that enhances dopamine and norepinephrine release, contributing to alertness, mood elevation,...
- Increases expression of BDNF, GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor), and NGF (nerve growth factor), promoting neuronal survival, growth, and...
Where to find it
- Prescription tablets (Eldepryl/Zelapar): 5 mg tablets for Parkinson's disease, available by prescription worldwide
- Transdermal patch (Emsam): 6 mg, 9 mg, and 12 mg/24hr patches approved for major depressive disorder in the US
- Orally disintegrating tablets (Zelapar): 1.25 mg tablets designed for buccal absorption, reducing first-pass metabolism
- Research chemical sources: Available from nootropic vendors as powder or capsules, though pharmaceutical-grade products are preferred for consistent dosing
- Liquid formulations: Some compounding pharmacies prepare liquid selegiline for precise low-dose titration
Frequently asked
A selective MAO-B inhibitor (Deprenyl/Emsam) used for Parkinson's disease and depression that doubles as a neuroprotective nootropic - boosting dopamine, phenylethylamine, and neurotrophic factors whilst increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and potentially extending lifespan.
The main benefits people report from Selegiline are: Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Libido, Longevity, Mood, Motivation.
Nootropic/neuroprotective dose: 1-5 mg per day orally or sublingually. This range provides selective MAO-B inhibition and neurotrophic benefits without...Sublingual administration: 1-2.5 mg sublingually bypasses first-pass metabolism, increasing bioavailability approximately 4-fold and reducing amph...
Cheese effect threshold: At nootropic doses of 1-5 mg, the risk of tyramine-induced hypertensive crisis is negligible because MAO-A in the gut remains...Amphetamine metabolites: Oral selegiline produces small amounts of L-methamphetamine and L-amphetamine as metabolites, which may cause insomnia or...
Irreversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase B, preventing the breakdown of dopamine and phenylethylamine in the brain. At low doses (1-5 mg), selectivity for...Increases synaptic dopamine availability by blocking its enzymatic degradation, supporting motivation, reward processing, motor function, and ex...
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