Deprenyl and Weight Loss

Deprenyl is classified as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) by the Food and Drug Administration, and as such is considered a powerful antidepressant drug. Deprenyl is also known as Selegiline, and has been approved for treatment of early symptoms of Parkinson's disease in combination with another drug.

Function

• Deprenyl works by inhibiting monoamine oxidase molecules from eliminating the presence of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The reduced levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain are strongly associated with depression. Therefore, allowing these neurotransmitters to accumulate, instead of being eliminated by monoamine oxidase, increases the overall presence of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. A greater presence of these neurotransmitters positively affects mood and reduces the symptoms of depression.

Weight Considerations

• When taking deprenyl for depression, a strict diet must be adhered to. As noted by Healthyplace.com, monoamine oxidase inhibitor class drugs contain a large list of foods and drinks that are prohibited. These include aged foods, cheese, fermented foods, raisins, bananas, alcoholic beverages along with a few other particular restrictions. This diet restriction is the factor largely responsible for weight loss when taking deprenyl.

Diet Restriction

• Monoamine oxidase molecules also remove excess, tyramine which can cause an increase in blood pressure that often leads to headaches. In severe cases, it can also result in burst blood vessels, which can consequently lead to deadly brain hemorrhages. Large increase in tyramine levels within the body occur after eating many of the foods which are prohibited when on deprenyl.

Side Effects

• As noted by Parkinsons-disease.emedtv.com, high blood pressure is the most critical side effect of this drug. A majority of the side effects are related to high blood pressure such as headaches, rapid heart rate or low heart rate, chest pain and dilated pupils. Additionally, users may also suffer from symptoms of low blood pressure such as lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting.

Other Uses

• When combined with a carbidopa-levodopa medication, it is used to increase dopamine levels in patients who suffer from Parkinson's disease. This increase of dopamine levels prevents further degradation of the brain's ability to properly transmit signals to create physical movement. According to Marvistavet.com, deprenyl is also used with dogs to treat Cushing's disease and canine cognitive dysfunction.