Rankings / Mood, Anxiety & Stress

Selegiline (L-deprenyl)

Mood, Anxiety & Stress · MAO-B inhibitor

Tier C+

dopaminemao-inhibitorprescription
5.2 / 10
Tier C+
Ev 6 Bn 3.5 Sf 5

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Selegiline (L-deprenyl) as C+ (5.2/10) based on moderate evidence, low-med benefit magnitude, and a med-risk safety profile.

Popular "off-label longevity" drug since 1990s (Knoll hypothesis).

Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 5-10 mg PO daily (Parkinson's); 1-2 mg/day (off-label longevity use) — Rx; not individualized guidance.

What the evidence says

Popular "off-label longevity" drug since 1990s (Knoll hypothesis). Kitt Peak beagle dog study suggested lifespan extension. Human mortality benefit data limited. Still prescribed for early Parkinson's.

Mechanism

Selective irreversible MAO-B inhibitor at low doses; increases dopamine in striatum; at higher doses loses selectivity; also amphetamine metabolite

Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route

5-10 mg PO daily (Parkinson's); 1-2 mg/day (off-label longevity use)

This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.

Citations

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Common questions

What does the evidence show about Selegiline (L-deprenyl)'s effects?
Read Off Label rates the evidence for Selegiline (L-deprenyl) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as low-med, producing an overall grade of C+ (5.2/10). Popular "off-label longevity" drug since 1990s (Knoll hypothesis).
What safety findings are reported for Selegiline (L-deprenyl)?
Selegiline (L-deprenyl) has a med risk profile in the database. Med (hypotension; insomnia; serotonin syndrome with SSRIs; tyramine reaction at higher doses) Legal status: Rx.
What doses or routes are reported for Selegiline (L-deprenyl)?
5-10 mg PO daily (Parkinson's); 1-2 mg/day (off-label longevity use) This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
How does Selegiline (L-deprenyl) work?
Selective irreversible MAO-B inhibitor at low doses; increases dopamine in striatum; at higher doses loses selectivity; also amphetamine metabolite

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.