Emsam patches: what you need to know
Emsam patches contain selegiline, an MAOI delivered through the skin to treat major depressive disorder. If you're considering Emsam, this page gives plain, practical facts: how it works, how to use it, common side effects, and safety tips that matter in real life.
How Emsam patches work & how to use them
Selegiline blocks monoamine oxidase in the brain, which helps boost mood-related chemicals. The patch releases the drug steadily over 24 hours. Typical strengths are 6 mg, 9 mg, and 12 mg per day. Apply one patch to clean, dry skin on the chest, back, upper arm, or thigh. Don’t apply to irritated or broken skin, and rotate sites daily to avoid local reactions.
Leave the patch on for 24 hours, then replace it. Don’t cut the patch or touch the sticky side with oily lotions. If it falls off, press it back firmly or replace it with a new one; follow your prescriber’s advice. If you shower, the patch usually stays on — but check your specific brand instructions and the patch adhesive.
Safety tips, interactions and side effects
Emsam is an MAOI, so drug and diet interactions matter. At the 6 mg dose, doctors often say no special diet is needed. At 9 mg or 12 mg, you usually must avoid high-tyramine foods (aged cheese, cured meats, some soy products, certain wines and beers) because they can trigger a dangerous spike in blood pressure. Ask your prescriber exactly what foods to avoid.
Don’t mix Emsam with SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, or certain pain meds like meperidine and tramadol without strict guidance. Also avoid dextromethorphan and some herbal products like St. John's wort. If you’re switching from an SSRI to Emsam, your doctor will tell you how long to wait — commonly two weeks, but five weeks after fluoxetine. These washout periods prevent serotonin syndrome or other severe reactions.
Common side effects include insomnia, headache, dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation where the patch sits. Less common but serious problems are high blood pressure crises or serotonin syndrome when mixed with incompatible drugs. If you get sudden severe headache, neck stiffness, chest pain, or very high blood pressure, seek medical help right away.
Keep a current medicine list and share it with every provider. Talk to your pharmacist about interactions when you get any new prescription or over-the-counter product.
Buying tip: Emsam requires a prescription. Use licensed pharmacies and avoid suspicious online vendors that don’t ask for a prescription. If cost is an issue, ask your prescriber about assistance programs, coupons, or generic alternatives where available.
Have questions about how Emsam fits your treatment plan? Ask your prescriber or pharmacist. They’ll give the tailored advice you need based on other meds, health conditions, and lifestyle.