Phenelzine
Generic name: phenelzine [ FEN-el-zeen ]
Brand name: Nardil
Dosage form: oral tablet (15 mg)
Drug class:Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
What is phenelzine?
Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that is used to treat symptoms of atypical depression in adults when other medicines have not been effective.
Phenelzine is not for treating severe depression or bipolar disorder (manic depression).
Phenelzine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
There are many other drugs, foods, and beverages that can cause dangerously high blood pressure if you take them together with phenelzine. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Avoid drinking alcohol, and learn about the foods you should avoid.
Symptoms of dangerously high blood pressure include: a sudden and severe headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, cold sweat, dilated pupils, light sensitivity, fast or pounding heartbeats, neck stiffness, weakness, or problems with vision or speech.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use phenelzine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
congestive heart failure;
severe kidney disease; or
a history of liver problems or abnormal liver function tests.
A dangerous drug interaction can occur between phenelzine and certain other medicines you use within 14 days before or after taking phenelzine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you need to use any of these medicines, including:
epinephrine or norepinephrine;
bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, guanethidine, levodopa, meperidine, methyldopa, tryptophan;
