Safinamide
About Safinamide
Safinamide is an oral prescription medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. Specifically, it is prescribed as an add-on treatment for people who are already taking levodopa and carbidopa and are experiencing off episodes, which are periods when their regular medication wears off, and symptoms return.
To get the best results, you must take Safinamide consistently at the same time every single day. You can take this medication with or without food, depending on your preference. Making certain lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, staying active, and participating in physical therapy, can also support your overall physical function and mobility.
While taking Safinamide, some people may experience mild side effects like nausea or trouble sleeping. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you notice serious symptoms, such as severe uncontrolled muscle movements, changes in your vision, or sudden, severe headaches.
Talk to your doctor before starting Safinamide if you have liver problems, as this condition can affect how your body clears the medicine. Do not take this if you have severe liver damage, or if you are currently taking other monoamine oxidase inhibitors or certain antidepressants.
This medicine can interact with other drugs, including over-the-counter cough medicines and strong pain relievers, which can cause dangerous increases in blood pressure. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, and consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you are an elderly individual.
Uses of Safinamide
Medicinal Benefits
Safinamide helps improve movement in people with Parkinson's disease by reducing periods when symptoms return between doses of their regular medication.
The following are the benefits of Safinamide:
- Helps reduce 'off' periods between Parkinson's medication doses.
- Increases the amount of time with better symptom control.
- Improves movement and the ability to perform daily activities.
- Reduces stiffness and movement difficulties.
- Supports smoother control of Parkinson's symptoms throughout the day.
- Promotes greater independence and overall quality of life.
Directions for Use
- Safinamide can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time every day to establish a consistent routine.
- Swallow Safinamide as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
- Always follow your doctor's exact instructions regarding how to take this medicine, and do not change your dose or stop taking it without consulting them first.
Storage
Side Effects of Safinamide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Uncontrolled, involuntary body movements (dyskinesia)
- Nausea, upset stomach, or indigestion
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or sleepy during the day
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- A sudden, severe headache accompanied by neck stiffness, sweating, or a fast heartbeat
- Severe muscle stiffness, high fever, confusion, sweating, or shivering (signs of serotonin syndrome)
- Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations)
- Changes in your vision, blurry vision, or eye pain
- Falling asleep suddenly during daily activities, such as eating or talking
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check your blood pressure regularly: Because this medication can influence your blood pressure, keep a home log of your readings and report any sudden, high spikes to your healthcare team.
- Avoid driving if you feel excessively sleepy: If you experience severe daytime drowsiness or find yourself falling asleep suddenly during normal activities, do not drive or operate machinery, and inform your doctor immediately.
- Monitor for eye health changes: If you have a history of retinal disease or experience any sudden changes in your vision, schedule an eye exam promptly.
- Watch for new involuntary movements: Report any new or worsening muscle spasms or twitching to your doctor, as your other Parkinson's medications may need to be adjusted.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: Abruptly stopping Safinamide can cause your Parkinson's symptoms to return severely. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes.
Drug Interactions
- Antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., sertraline, amitriptyline, phenelzine): Taking Safinamide with other MAO inhibitors or certain antidepressants can cause a life-threatening buildup of serotonin or a severe spike in blood pressure.
- Cough and pain medications (e.g., dextromethorphan, tramadol): Combining Safinamide with cough medicines or strong pain relievers can increase the risk of serious neurological side effects.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionSafinamide may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol, decreasing alertness and affecting your vision.
Pregnancy
unsafeSafinamide may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Safinamide. Please consult your doctor before taking Safinamide.
Breast Feeding
unsafeSafinamide may be unsafe to use in breastfeeding mothers. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Safinamide. Please consult your doctor before taking Safinamide.
Driving
cautionSafinamide may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Liver
cautionSafinamide should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. A dose adjustment of Safinamide may be needed. So please consult your doctor before taking Safinamide.
Kidney
cautionSafinamide should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. A dose adjustment of Safinamide may be needed. So please consult your doctor before taking Safinamide.
Children
unsafeSafinamide is not recommended for use in children under 12 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Watch your protein intake timing: High-protein meals (such as meat, dairy, or fish) can interfere with how your body absorbs your primary Parkinson's medication. Try to space out high-protein foods, so you do not eat them at the same time you take your dose.
- Be cautious with tyramine-rich foods: Consuming very large amounts of foods high in tyramine (such as aged cheeses, air-dried or cured meats, and red wine) can sometimes affect your blood pressure. Speak with your doctor about whether you need to limit these items.
- Prevent falls: Because Parkinson's disease and its treatments can cause dizziness when standing up, always rise slowly from sitting or lying positions, and keep your walkways clear of clutter.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help manage dry mouth, support digestion, and prevent sudden drops in blood pressure when you stand up.
Special Advise
Talk to your doctor if you develop hallucinations or other changes in your behaviour.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Parkinson’s disease: It is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement due to damage of nerve cells in the brain, which reduces the levels of dopamine and leads to symptoms such as stiffness, tremors in one hand, shaking, difficulty in walking, coordination and balance. This condition can last for many years or a lifetime. Treatment with medicines and physiotherapy may help control the symptoms and provide a quality of life for as long as possible.
FAQs
Safinamide is used to treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Safinamide works by increasing the amount of dopamine (a natural substance needed to control movement) in the brain. Thereby improving the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Yes, Safinamide is not recommended in albinism (an inherited condition that causes a lack of colour in the skin, hair and eyes), retinal degeneration, uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea)), inherited retinopathy or severe progressive diabetic retinopathy.
Do not stop Safinamide suddenly; it may cause side effects like confusion, stiff muscles and a high fever. So please consult your doctor before stopping the medicine.
The time it takes for Safinamide to work can vary depending on the specific medication mechanism and the individual's health condition status.
In some individuals, Safinamide may cause common side effects like cough, depression, indigestion, flu-like symptoms, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), joint pain, and peripheral oedema. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if any persists or worsens, please consult your doctor.
Safinamide can be taken with a glass of water. Do not chew, break, or crush it. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dose and duration and complete the entire course as prescribed.
Safinamide belongs to pregnancy category C, which means that animal studies have shown potential risks to the fetus, but there are no good studies in pregnant women. As a result, the medication should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits justify the possible risks. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
You can take Safinamide with or without food. However, it is important to be consistent and take it at the same time each day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to take it.
You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Safinamide, as alcohol can increase your risk of experiencing side effects like extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and unpredictable blood pressure changes. Talk to your doctor for specific guidance.
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when standing is common with Parkinson's treatments. Try to stand up very slowly from a sitting or lying position, and make sure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day. If the dizziness is severe or does not improve, talk to your doctor.
Yes, especially if it is taken with certain interacting medications or foods extremely high in tyramine. Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home and report any sudden spikes or severe headaches to your healthcare provider immediately. Talk to your doctor for more details.
No, Safinamide does not cure Parkinson's disease. Instead, it helps manage and control your symptoms, specifically by reducing 'off' times and helping you move more easily when used alongside other treatments. Talk to your doctor about your long-term treatment plan.
If you see, hear, or feel things that are not there, or experience unusual changes in your behaviour or thinking, seek medical advice immediately. Do not stop taking your medication abruptly, but talk to your doctor right away for guidance.
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