What is Phenelzine?
Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidese inhibitor (MAOI) that is prescribed to treat the symptoms of atypical depressive symptoms in adults when other medications haven't been efficient. Phenelzine isn't a treatment for extreme depression or bipolar disorder (manic depression). Phenelzine is also employed for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for medication.
Side effects of Phenelzine
Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as asthma, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Inform your doctor about any new or more severe symptoms, for example, changes in behavior or mood, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you experience anger, irritability, impulsivity, or aggression. active, restless (mentally and physically), or more depressed, or you are thinking about suicide or harming yourself.
Phenelzine may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- Abrupt, severe, and sudden headache headache, neck pain, or stiffness;
- Heartbeats that pound or flutter in your chest
- Heartbeats that are slow or fast
- Chest pain;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're about to pass out.
- Sweating (sometimes associated with a high fever and other times as a result of cold and dry skin);
- Nausea, vomiting, or
- Dilated pupils (your eyes might become more sensitive to bright light)
Common adverse effects of phenelzine could include:
- Dizziness, feeling light-headed;
- Sleepiness and sleep issues;
- Headache;
- Being tired or weak;
- Tremors, muscle twitching;
- Dry mouth and stomach discomfort; constipation;
- Weight gain, swelling, or
- Sexual issues.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other effects may also be present. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Sertraline, Trazadone, Lexapro, Citalopram, Zoloft, and Cymbalta
Warnings
Many young people are contemplating suicide while using an antidepressant. Be attentive to any changes in your mood or symptoms. Be sure to report any new or worsening symptoms to your physician.
There are numerous other foods, drugs, and beverages that could create extremely high blood pressure when you combine them with phenelzine. Tell your doctor about your current medications and all those you are about to start or stop taking. Do not drink alcohol, and be aware of the foods that you should not eat.
The signs of hypertension that are dangerous include sudden and severe nausea, headache vomiting, fever, dilation of pupils, cold sweat or light sensitivity, rapid or rapid heartbeats, neck stiffness weakening, or issues with speech or vision.
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to use phenelzine. If you're allergic to the drug or are suffering from
- Pheochromocytoma (a tumor in the adrenal gland)
- Congestive heart failure;
- Kidney disease severe or
- A history of liver issues and abnormal tests for liver function
A risky drug interaction may be caused by phenelzine in conjunction with other medications you take within 14 days of using phenelzine. Your doctor might alter your treatment regimen if you have to take any of these drugs, which include:
- Epinephrine, also known as norepinephrine,
- Bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, guanethidine, levodopa, meperidine, methyldopa, tryptophan;
- ADHD medicine;
- Diet pills as well as cold allergy medicine;
- Opioid medicine;
- Other antidepressants;
- Another MAO inhibitor—furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others; or
- Medications that alter the levels of serotonin within your body. These include stimulant medications or opioids, herbal products, or medicines to treat mental illness, depression, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or to prevent nausea or vomiting.
This isn't an exhaustive list, and there could be other medications that you shouldn't consume when you are taking phenelzine.
Inform your doctor if you ever had:
- Hypertension, heart disease;
- Diabetes;
- Schizophrenia;
- Epilepsy or another seizure; or
- If you've taken an antidepressant in the past five weeks,
A few young people may have thoughts of suicide after first starting an antidepressant. Your doctor should monitor your progress on a regular basis. Family members or other caregivers should be aware of changes in your symptoms or mood. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Phenelzine is not a prescription drug to be used by anyone younger than 18 years of age.
How do I do it?
Follow all the instructions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions sheets. Your doctor may alter the dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed. Your blood pressure is likely to be checked regularly.
It may be necessary to discontinue phenelzine use for a brief time prior to any surgical or other medical treatment. Let any doctor treating you for phenelzine know that you are taking it. It could take a few weeks before you experience the full benefits of using phenelzine. Your doctor will decide how long you will be treated with phenelzine. Do not stop taking the drug abruptly, or you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Consult your physician about how to completely stop taking this medication. Keep it at room temperature, far from heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Depression:
Treatment for the early phase:
Initial dose: 15 mg, taken orally three times a day.
Dose titration: Increase the dose to a minimum of 60 mg per day quickly, if tolerated.
Maximum dose: 90 mg/day
Maintenance:
The maintenance dose could be as little as 15 mg at least once per day or 15 mg taken orally every other day.
Time of treatment: as the therapy is required
Comments:
It is not recommended to be the first antidepressant prescribed and is more appropriate for patients who aren't responding to common medications.
This drug is highly effective for depressed patients who are described as non-endogenous, atypical, or neurotic and who frequently have a mix of depression and anxiety and hypochondriacal or phobic features.
The evidence of its effectiveness in patients suffering from severe depression with an endogenous underlying condition is less clear.
Clinical response is not visible until at least 4 weeks after the 60 mg/day dosage.
After the maximum benefit has been achieved, reduce the dose gradually over a period of time.
Treatment of clinically recognized atypical, non-endogenous, or neurotic depression, particularly in patients who have not responded to first-line treatment
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, avoid your missed dosage if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
You should seek medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. The symptoms of an overdose could include feeling dizzy or drowsy and severe headaches, neck stiffness or pain, hallucinations, a shallow breathing, rapid and irregular heart rate, a sweaty cold, or feeling like you may be snoring, or having seizures (convulsions).
What should be avoided?
Don't drink the alcohol. Dangerous side effects may be experienced.
There are certain food items, such as:
- Air-dried, aged, smoked, or fermented meats such as pepperoni, sausage, Lebanon bologna, or salami;
- Wine, beer, reduced-alcohol, or alcohol-free wine;
- Herrings that have been boiled;
- Aged cheeses, which include blue, boursault, brie, camembert, and cheddar. Also, gruyere, gruyere, mozzarella, parmesan Romano, Roquefort, and Swiss;
- Food items that are rotten or improperly stored, such as fish, poultry, or liver
- Miso soup, soy sauce, and bean curd;
- Sauerkraut;
- Yogurt;
- The yeast extracts Marmite; or
- Excessive quantities of chocolate or excessive quantities of caffeine.
Consuming these food items while you're taking phenelzine may increase your blood pressure to alarming levels, leading to life-threatening adverse effects. Avoid these foods for a period of 2 weeks after stopping taking the medication phenelzine.
Phenelzine could affect your reactions or thinking. Be cautious when you drive or perform any activity that requires you to be aware.
Interaction with other drugs
If you stop or begin using phenelzine on a regular basis, your doctor might need to alter the dosages of other medications you take regularly.
There are numerous other drugs that could lead to serious health problems when taken together with phenelzine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies. The interactions of all drugs are covered in this list. Tell your doctor about your current medications and any medication you begin or stop taking.