Emsam (selegiline transdermal system) is a patch that delivers the monoamine oxidase inhibitor selegiline through the skin; used for the treatment of depression. Emsam is a registered trademark of Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Incorporation.  It is a transdermally administered antidepressant and is applied to the skin. Emsam is designed to continuously deliver selegiline over a period of 24 hours.

Emsam is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The efficacy of Emsam in the treatment of major depressive disorder was established in 6- and 8-week placebo controlled trials of outpatients with diagnoses of DSM-IV sort of major depressive disorder.

A major depressive episode implies a prominent and relatively persistent depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least five of the following nine symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, insomnia or hypersomnia, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, and suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.

The benefit of maintaining patients with major depressive disorder on therapy with Emsam after achieving a responder status for an average duration of about 25 days was established in a controlled trial. The physician who elects to use Emsam for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in short-term studies in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders.

Side Effects of Emsam

Severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeat; feeling light-headed, fainting; fever or sweating; feeling restless, agitated, or irritable; seizure (convulsions); or
muscle stiffness, tremors, or movements you cannot control.