Rankings / Mood, Anxiety & Stress
Selegiline (L-deprenyl)
Mood, Anxiety & Stress · MAO-B inhibitor
Tier C+
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).
Typical use: 5-10 mg PO daily (Parkinson's); 1-2 mg/day (off-label longevity use) — Rx.
What this is
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
Dose & route
5-10 mg PO daily (Parkinson's); 1-2 mg/day (off-label longevity use)
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17326755/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1489376/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3100990/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Selegiline (L-deprenyl) work?
- 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).
- Is Selegiline (L-deprenyl) safe?
- Selegiline (L-deprenyl) has a med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Selegiline (L-deprenyl)?
- 5-10 mg PO daily (Parkinson's); 1-2 mg/day (off-label longevity use)
- 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.