EMSAM

AbsorptionFollowing dermal application of EMSAM to humans, 25% to 30% of the selegiline content on average is delivered systemically over 24 hours (range approximately 10% to 40%). Consequently, the degree of drug absorption may be 1/3 higher than the average amounts of 6 mg to 12 mg per 24 hours. Transdermal dosing results in significantly higher exposure to selegiline with significantly lower exposure for all metabolites when compared to oral dosing, due to extensive first-pass metabolism. In...

14.1 Major Depressive Disorder The efficacy of EMSAM as a treatment for major depressive disorder was established in two placebo-controlled studies of 6 and 8 weeks duration in adult outpatients (ages 18 to 70 years) meeting DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder. In both studies, patients were randomized to double-blind treatment with EMSAM or placebo. The 6-week trial (N = 176) showed that EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours was statistically significantly more effective than placebo on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) total score (Study 1 in Table 7). In an 8-week dose titrat...

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label.

• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
• Serotonin Syndrome [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .
• Blood Pressure Elevation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .
• Activation of Mania/Hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] .
• External Heat [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] .
• Adverse Reactions occurring at an incidence of...

• EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is contraindicated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine); serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs, e.g., venlafaxine and duloxetine); the tricyclic antidepressants clomipramine and imipramine, the opiate analgesics meperidine, tramadol, methadone, pentazocine, and propoxyphene; and ...

• Tyramine-Induced Hypertensive Crisis: Patients receiving EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours and 12 mg per 24 hours should follow the recommended dietary modifications ( 5.3 ).
• Blood Pressure Elevation Related to Concomitant Medication: monitor blood pressure if EMSAM is used with any of the following drugs: buspirone, amphetamines, or cold products or weight-reducing preparations that contain sympathomimetic amines (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, and ephedrine). If a hyperte...

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Serotonergic Drugs Serious, sometimes fatal, central nervous system (CNS) toxicity referred to as the “serotonin syndrome” has been reported with the combination of nonselective MAOIs and serotonergic drugs. Use of EMSAM with these drugs is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . 7.2 Tyramine EMSAM has the capacity to inhibit intest...