Rasagiline (Azilect)

Class

Selective MAO-B inhibitor

Mechanism

Inhibits monoamine oxidase B, increasing striatal dopamine levels

FDA-Approved Use

Parkinson’s disease (PD)

Off-Label Use

Depression in PD, cognitive slowing, apathy in PD

Formulation

Oral tablets

Titration

0.5–1 mg p.o. daily

Dose Range

0.5–1 mg/day

Kinetics

Hepatic metabolism (CYP1A2); half-life ~3 hours

Common AEs

Headache, arthralgia, indigestion

Serious/Rare AEs

Serotonin syndrome risk with serotonergic agents

Monitoring

Monitor for serotonin syndrome if combined with antidepressants

Black Box Warning

None

Considerations

Generally well tolerated in Parkinson’s disease; caution with SSRIs/SNRIs; monitor mood symptoms in depression treatment.