MAO-B Inhibitor
Selegiline
A compound that increases dopamine levels by inhibiting monoamine oxidase-B.
KÖGN Health grades Selegiline as A (Strong evidence) and rates it 4.3 out of 5.
Last reviewed · June 2026
Primary effects
- Improved motivation
- Enhanced focus
- Mood elevation
How it works
Increases dopamine availability, supporting mood, motivation, and cognitive function.
Overview
Selegiline is a prescription compound used in Parkinson’s disease and has been explored for cognitive and mood enhancement. By inhibiting MAO-B, it increases dopamine availability, which can enhance motivation and cognitive drive. Due to its potency and pharmacological nature, it should be used cautiously and under medical supervision.
The evidence
Selegiline (l-deprenyl) is a prescription MAO-B inhibitor used in Parkinson's disease and, historically, studied in Alzheimer's. A meta-analysis found some short-term cognitive and behavioural benefit in Alzheimer's, but the effect is considered unreliable and it is not approved for dementia in many countries. There is no good evidence for cognitive enhancement in healthy people.
Safety & side effects
At low doses it is relatively MAO-B selective; at higher doses it loses that selectivity, which raises the risk of dangerous blood-pressure and serotonin reactions. Side effects include nausea, dizziness and insomnia.
Who should avoid it
Prescription-only — not for self-supplementation. It interacts dangerously with many antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), certain opioids, and other serotonergic drugs (risk of serotonin syndrome), and at higher doses with tyramine-rich foods (the 'cheese reaction'). Use only under specialist supervision.
References
Related ingredients
Graded entries that target the same cognitive goals.
Categories
Draft — the dose, safety and evidence notes on this entry were prepared from the published literature and are pending editorial and clinical review.
Educational information, not medical advice. The evidence grade is KÖGN’s editorial assessment of published research, not a health claim. Speak to a qualified clinician before changing what you take.