Safinamide

When should one not use Safinamide

• If you are allergic to Safinamide or any ingredients of Safinamide.
• If you are taking other medicines called monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
• If you are using pethidine for pain relief.
• If you have severe liver disease.
• If you have certain eye conditions such as albinism, retinal degeneration, uveitis, inherited retinal disorders, or severe progressive diabetic eye disease.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Cataract

Other General Warnings

• You are taking antidepressants like SSRIs, especially fluoxetine or fluvoxamine, as using them together with safinamide may increase the risk of serotonin-related side effects.
• You have recently stopped, or plan to start, medications such as MAO inhibitors or pain medications like pethidine, as a gap of at least 7 days is required.
• You are taking other medications that may interact with safinamide; dose adjustments or monitoring may be required.
• You have liver problems, especially moderate liver disease, as safinamide may need caution or may have to be stopped if liver function worsens.
• You have a history of eye or retinal problems, such as hereditary retinal disease or uveitis, as safinamide may not be suitable for you.
• You or your caregiver notices unusual behavior changes such as compulsive spending, gambling, increased sexual urges, or impulsive actions.
• You experience worsening involuntary movements (dyskinesia) while taking safinamide with levodopa, as your levodopa dose may need adjustment.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Do not take Safinamide if you are using other MAO inhibitors (such as moclobemide), as this combination can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
• Do not use Safinamide together with pethidine, as this can lead to serious and harmful reactions.
• Be careful when using cold, cough, or nasal decongestant medicines (such as those containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine), as taking them with Safinamide may increase the risk of side effects.
• Avoid using cough medicines containing dextromethorphan with Safinamide, or use them only with caution if absolutely necessary.
• Avoid taking certain antidepressants like fluoxetine or fluvoxamine with Safinamide, as this may increase the risk of serious reactions such as serotonin syndrome.
• If antidepressants are needed, they should be used at the lowest effective dose and with careful monitoring.
• A gap (washout period) may be needed between stopping some antidepressants and starting Safinamide to reduce the risk of side effects.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines for depression, anxiety, or mood disorders, including SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclic antidepressants.
• Safinamide may slightly increase plasma concentrations of certain medications, including rosuvastatin and related drugs, warranting monitoring.
• Extra caution is needed if you take medications such as metformin, aciclovir, or ganciclovir, as Safinamide may increase their plasma concentrations.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking medications such as ciprofloxacin, methotrexate, or diclofenac, or diabetes medications such as glyburide, as dose adjustment or monitoring may be required.
• Always inform your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products you are using before starting Safinamide.

Interactions with food items

• Safinamide can be taken with or without food.
• No strict food restrictions are usually needed.
• Avoid excessive consumption of aged or fermented foods.
• Limit alcohol to reduce dizziness or drowsiness.

Overdose

Missed a Dose