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Parnate |
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What is Parnate and why is it prescribed? Parnate is prescribed for the treatment of major depression. Parnate is a member of the class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. It works by increasing concentrations of the brain chemicals epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Parnate is a potent drug with the capability of producing serious side effects. It is typically prescribed only if other antidepressants fail, and then only for adults who are under close medical supervision. It is considered especially risky because it can interact with a long list of drugs and foods to produce life-threatening side effects. How should you take Parnate? Follow your doctors directions for taking Parnate. Your doctor will adjust the dosage of Parnate according to your individual needs and response. The drug usually produces improvement within 48 hours to 3 weeks after starting therapy. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Parnate at room temperature. Are there any Parnate side effects? Parnate side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Parnate side effects may include abdominal pain, agitation, altered touch sensation, anxiety, appetite loss, blood disorders, blurred vision, chills, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, hair loss, headaches, hepatitis, impotence, insomnia, irregular or rapid heartbeat, mania, muscle spasms and jerks, nausea, numbness, overstimulation, restlessness, retarded ejaculation, ringing in ears, reduced urination, skin rashes, tremors, swelling, water retention, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Parnate? If Parnate is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Never take Parnate with the following drugs; the combination can trigger seizures or a dangerous spike in blood pressure: Other MAO inhibitors (such as Nardil), Antidepressant drugs classified as "tricyclics" (such as Anafranil, Elavil, and Tofranil), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), or Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril). When switching from one of these drugs to Parnate, or vice versa, allow an interval of at least 1 week between medications. Also avoid combining Parnate with any of the following: Antidepressant drugs classified as "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors" (such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft), Amphetamines (such as Adderall and Dexedrine), Anesthetics, Antihistamines (such as Allegra, Benadryl, and Clarinex), Blood pressure medications (such as Accupril, Lotensin, and Prinivil), Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Buspirone (BuSpar), Cold and hay fever remedies that constrict blood vessels, Cough remedies containing dextromethorphan, Demerol and other narcotic painkillers (such as Percodan, OxyContin, and Vicodin), Disulfiram (Antabuse), Guanethidine, Methyldopa, Over-the-counter weight reduction aids, Parkinson's disease medications (such as Parlodel, Requip, and Sinemet), Reserpine, Sedatives (such as Halcion, Nembutal, and Seconal), Tryptophan, or Water pills (such as HydroDIURIL). While taking Parnate, you should also avoid foods that contain a high amount of a substance called tyramine, including: Anchovies, Avocados, Bananas, Beer (including nonalcoholic beer), Caviar, Cheese (especially strong and aged varieties), Chianti wine, Chocolate, Dried fruits (including raisins, prunes, and figs), Liqueurs, Liver, Meat extracts or meat prepared with tenderizers, Overripe fruit, Pickled herring, Pods of broad beans like fava beans, Raspberries, Sauerkraut, Sherry, Sour cream, Soy sauce, Yeast extracts, and Yogurt. Likewise, avoid alcohol and large amounts of caffeine. Are there any special warnings about Parnate? The most dangerous reaction to Parnate is a surge in blood pressure, which has sometimes been fatal. For this reason, report promptly to your doctor any of the following symptoms: constriction or pain in the throat or chest, dizziness, fever, headache, irregular heartbeat, light sensitivity, nausea, neck stiffness or soreness, palpitations, pupil dilation, sweating, or vomiting. A number of people who take Parnate experience low blood pressure, faintness, or drowsiness, so exercise great care when performing potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a car or operating machinery. Some people become physically dependent on Parnate and experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped, including restlessness, anxiety, depression, confusion, hallucinations, headache, weakness, and diarrhea. If you have kidney problems, make sure the doctor is aware of this. The doctor may need to reduce your dosage of Parnate to avoid a buildup of the drug. Parnate should also be used with caution if you have an overactive thyroid gland. MAO inhibitors can suppress heart pain that would otherwise serve as a warning sign of a heart attack. For this reason and others, it should be used with caution by older adults. Also, it should be used with caution by diabetics and people with epilepsy or other convulsive disorders because it can alter the level of drugs used to treat these conditions. Tell every doctor or dentist who you see that you are taking Parnate. |
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