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  • Best Friend Family Vet
  • Doley Road,
  • Byford,
  • Western Australia,
  • Phone: (040) 735-2836

Selegiline

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medicationWhy has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Selegiline is used for the treatment of behavioural problems of emotional origin and for older dogs that are losing their intellectual function (cognitive dysfunction). Your veterinarian may prescribe this medicine for other indications.

How does this medicine work?

Selegiline helps to reduce the breakdown of several neurotransmitters and protects brain cells through its neuroprotective action.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY

- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day and try not to miss giving any doses.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- DO NOT discontinue the medication without first checking with your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian in advance if your pet needs a repeat prescription.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if you think your pet may be pregnant.

- Side effects that have been reported include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, drowsiness, salivation, loss of appetite, diminished hearing, itching, licking and shivers. Notify your veterinarian if these symptoms persist or are troublesome. Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- Allow fourteen days between the discontinuation of selegiline and the initiation of treatment with tricyclic antidepressants.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Aug 2, 2015.