The selegiline transdermal system (emsam): a therapeutic option for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Abstract

Although monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) at one time represented the mainstay of therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD), the risk of acute hypertensive reactions following the ingestion of tyramine-rich foods and the consequent need to restrict dietary tyramine represent a barrier to their use. In this article, we present an overview of the efficacy and safety of a transdermal formulation of the MAOI selegiline for the treatment of MDD. Transdermal delivery of selegiline at the effective dose of 6 mg every 24 hours eliminates the need for a tyramine-restricted diet. Our emphasis on potential drug-drug interactions and contraindications should be useful to prescribers who counsel patients with MDD.