Rasagiline is a medication that can be used alone or with other medication in people with Parkinson’s disease. This is in the family of medicine called MAO inhibitors which increases the level of dopamine in the brain that helps eases certain symptoms of the disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription. Rasagiline is supplied as a 1 mg tablet for oral use.
What condition does Rasagiline treat?
Rasagiline is a prescription used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Some early symptoms may include:
- Tremor especially in finger, hand, or foot
- Cramped handwriting or writing changes
- Limb stiffness or slow movement during sleep
- Uncontrollable movements during sleep
- Rigid facial expression or masking
- Voice changes
- Stooped posture
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder and affects movement. Its symptoms begin slowly and at times it starts with just an obvious tremor in one hand. Rasagiline can be used alone or in combination with carbidopa or levodopa. It helps improve symptoms and may also help lessen the amount of ‘off’ time or periods of slow movement stiffness.
How does Rasagiline work?
Rasagiline increases the levels of dopamine known as a neurotransmitter. Dopamine transmits messages among nerves and allows the regular work of the body. It is known to be decreased in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease. The support of treating Parkinson’s disease is to replace dopamine in the brain.
Natural dopamine is usually broken down by an enzyme called MAOI-B. It is released from nerve cells in the brain. Rasagiline works by blocking the action of this enzyme which prevents the MAOI-B from breaking down the dopamine. This results in an increased amount of active dopamine in the brain. Therefore, this lessens Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
What is the dosage of Rasagiline?
Rasagiline is usually taken once a day. This is to be taken as directed by your doctor. Each dose may be taken with or without a meal. Remember to take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Take it regularly for the best benefit of this product. Do not suddenly stop this treatment without the consent of your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while having this treatment.
The tablet is to be taken by mouth depending on the dosage that will be prescribed to you. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, chew, or crush it. The given dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the medication. Take each dose exactly as it is given by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than the prescription. Your doctor may give you a lower dose to start and gradually increase it. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
What are the precautions in using Rasagiline?
- Rasagiline may make you dizzy. Do not operate machinery or do any activity that needs your full alertness.
- You should not share this with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
- Tell your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to this drug. This may contain an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction.
- Smoking may decrease the blood level of this drug and could make it less effective.
- Use this with caution in people with decreased liver function.
- This is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Its safety and efficacy have not been studied yet in this age group.
- Before using this medication, let your doctor know if you have any medical history especially of liver or kidney disease, stroke, and high or low blood pressure.
- While having treatment, limit alcoholic beverages.
- If you have any signs of an overdose, call your doctor right away.
- Avoid eating foods that are high in tyramine such as aged cheese, soy sauce, fava beans, herring, pickled or processed meats, and fish. Eating tyramine while you are taking this drug can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels which could cause life-threatening side effects.
- Some people taking this medication with levodopa have fallen asleep throughout normal daytime events such as talking, working, or eating. Inform your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.