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Phenelzine |
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What is Phenelzine and why is it prescribed? Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor used to treat depression as well as anxiety or phobias mixed with depression. MAO is an enzyme responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters in the brain. By inhibiting MAO, Phenelzine helps restore more normal mood states. Unfortunately, MAO inhibitors such as Phenelzine also block MAO activity throughout the body, an action that can have serious, even fatal, side effects, especially if MAO inhibitors are combined with other foods or drugs containing a substance called tyramine. Avoid the following foods, beverages, and medications while taking Phenelzine and for 2 weeks thereafter: Beer (including alcohol-free or reduced-alcohol beer), Caffeine (in excessive amounts), Cheese (except for cottage cheese and cream cheese), Chocolate (in excessive amounts), Dry sausage (including Genoa salami, hard salami, pepperoni, and Lebanon bologna), Fava bean pods, Liver, Meat extract, Pickled herring, Pickled, fermented, aged, or smoked meat, fish, or dairy products, Sauerkraut, Spoiled or improperly stored meat, fish, or dairy products, Wine (including alcohol-free or reduced-alcohol wine), Yeast extract (including large amounts of brewer's yeast), and Yogurt. Medications to avoid include Amphetamines, Appetite suppressants (such as Redux and Tenuate), Antidepressants and related medications (such as Prozac, Effexor, Luvox, Paxil, Remeron, Serzone, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Elavil, Triavil, Tegretol, and Flexeril), Asthma inhalants (such as Proventil and Ventolin), Cold and cough preparations (including those with dextromethorphan, such as Robitussin DM), Hay fever medications (such as Contac and Dristan), L-tryptophan-containing products, Nasal decongestants in tablet, drop, or spray form (such as Sudafed), and Sinus medications (such as Sinutab). Taking Phenelzine with any of the above foods, beverages, or medications can cause serious, potentially fatal, high blood pressure. Therefore, when taking Phenelzine you should immediately report the occurrence of a headache, heart palpitations, or any other unusual symptom. In addition, make certain that you inform any other physician or dentist you see that you are currently taking Phenelzine or have taken Phenelzine within the last two weeks. How should you take Phenelzine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Phenelzine. Phenelzine may be taken with or without food. It can take up to 4 weeks for the drug to begin working. Use of Phenelzine may complicate other medical treatment. Always carry a card that says you take Phenelzine, or wear a Medic Alert bracelet. 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. Do not take two doses at once. Store Phenelzine at room temperature. Are there any Phenelzine side effects? Phenelzine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Phenelzine side effects may include constipation, disorders of the stomach and intestines, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive sleeping, fatigue, headache, insomnia, itching, low blood pressure (especially when rising quickly from lying down or sitting up), muscle spasms, sexual difficulties, strong reflexes, swelling due to fluid retention, tremors, twitching, weakness, and weight gain. Less common or rare Phenelzine side effects may include anxiety, blurred vision, coma, convulsions, delirium, exaggerated feeling of well-being, fever, glaucoma, inability to urinate, involuntary eyeball movements, jitteriness, lack of coordination, liver damage, mania, muscular rigidity, onset of the mental disorder schizophrenia, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, repetitious use of words and phrases, skin rash or lupus-like disease, sweating, swelling in the throat, tingling sensation, and yellowed skin and whites of eyes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Phenelzine? If Phenelzine 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. It is important that you closely follow your doctor's dietary and medication limitations when taking Phenelzine. In addition, you should use blood pressure medications (including water pills and beta blockers) with caution when taking Phenelzine, since excessively low blood pressure may result. Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness when rising from a lying or sitting position, fainting, and tingling in the hands or feet. Are there any special warnings about Phenelzine? You must follow the food and drug limitations established by your physician; failure to do so may lead to potentially fatal side effects. While taking Phenelzine, you should promptly report the occurrence of a headache or any other unusual symptoms. If you are diabetic, your doctor will prescribe Phenelzine with caution, since it is not clear how MAO inhibitors affect blood sugar levels. If you are taking Phenelzine, talk to your doctor before you decide to have elective surgery. If you stop taking Phenelzine abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms. They may include nightmares, agitation, strange behavior, and convulsions. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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