A New Way To Treat Depression

After almost fifteen years of development by Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the first skin patch to treat depression will be on shelves soon.
On Feb. 28, the FDA approved the patch called Emsam. Of the 14 million U.S. adults with major depression, it’s expected to add another option for them, including some who don’t respond to other treatments.
Selegiline, the active ingredient found in Emsam, is the same chemical that makes up the base for another of Somerset’s products called Eldepryl, which is a capsule used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
The patch will be advantages in that it will bypass the liver by delivering the rug through the skin and going directly to the brain. This is also beneficial because Selegiline is an MAOI, which can interact with foods such as cheese, meats, and alcohol, causing high blood pressure.