Authors' objectives:

The aim of this study was to summarize the available information on the use of the selegiline transdermal patch (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, EMSAM, manufactured by Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) for acute and maintenance treatment of patients with major depressive disorder.

Authors' recommendations: EMSAM offers a better drug interaction and adverse event profile than oral selegiline. If approved, it would be the first transdermal treatment for major depressive disorder. The advantages associated with transdermal drug delivery include avoidance of first-pass metabolism and improved patients' compliance. Limitations include the inability to precisely control the dosage to each patient, and cost, as many oral antidepressants are available in generic form. Dietary tyramine restrictions for higher EMSAM doses could lead to confusion for patients who are titrating 20 mg to 30 mg and 40 mg doses, and could discourage some from using EMSAM. More safety data on higher EMSAM doses should be gathered, so that the dietary warning can be appropriately interpreted. Studies that compare EMSAM with conventional antidepressant medications would also be beneficial.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)