EMSAM

Selegiline transdermal system (brand name: EMSAM) is a small molecule monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that irreversibly inhibits both monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) enzymes. By utilizing a transdermal delivery system, the drug bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism, allowing for effective central nervous system MAO inhibition while avoiding significant inhibition of gastrointestinal MAO-A. This unique delivery mechanism eliminates the need for dietary tyramine restrictions at the 6 mg/24-hour dose. While EMSAM is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder, the New York State Psychiatric Institute has investigated its use in bipolar depression through pilot clinical trials to assess its efficacy, safety, and tolerability in this specific patient population.

Brand names

EMSAM

Other names

selegiline transdermal systemSTS