Phenelzine is a drug used to treat depression. These antidepressant drugs are usually used when other medications don't work well.
Phenelzine is an antidepressant drug of the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) type. These drugs work by restoring the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which can improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression .
Phenelzine trademarks: -
What is Phenelzine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | MAOI drugs |
| Benefit | Overcoming depression |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Phenelzine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether phenelzine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without first telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Phenelzine
Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following things:
- Do not take phenelzine if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have pheochromocytoma , severe kidney disease, congestive heart failure , diabetes, epilepsy , or liver disease. Phenelzine should not be used in patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of high blood pressure , stroke, heart attack, coronary heart disease, seizures, schizophrenia , or used any other antidepressants in the past 5 weeks.
- Phenelzine should not be used by patients under 18 years of age.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after using phenelzine, because this drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications or certain supplements and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking phenelzine.
Dosage and Rules for Using Phenelzine
Phenelzine should only be used as directed by a doctor. The usual dose of phenelzine for adults is 15 mg, 1–3 times daily. Dosage can be increased to 4 times a day after 2 weeks and can be reduced when symptoms have improved and stabilized for some time.
How to Take Phenelzine Properly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information printed on the drug packaging before taking phenelzine. Do not reduce or increase your dose without consulting your doctor first.
Phenelzine can be taken before or after food. Try to take the drug at the same time every day, so that the treatment works optimally.
Do not stop taking phenelzine without consulting your doctor. While using this medicine, you may need to check your blood pressure regularly.
If you forget to take phenelzine, it is advisable to drink it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
While taking phenelzine, avoid consuming alcohol, high protein foods that have gone through a fermentation or preservation process, such as cheese or beer, and avoid excessive amounts of chocolate, tea and coffee.
Store phenelzine in a dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.
Phenelzine Interactions with Other Drugs
Following are some of the effects of drug interactions that can occur when phenelzine is used with other drugs:
- Increased risk of developing hypertensive crisis when used with other MAOI drugs, amphetamines, dopamine , ephedrine, epinephrine , norepinephrine, methylphenidate , levodopa, or methyldopa
- Increased effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs, such as beta blockers or thiazide diuretics, antimuscarinics, hypoglycemic drugs, anti-Parkinson's, or local anesthetics
- Increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome when used with SSRI antidepressant drugs, such as fluoxetine; SNRIs, such as duloxetine ; dextromethorphan ; or illegal drugs such as ecstasy
- Increased blood pressure when used with bupropion , buspirone, guanethidine, methylphenidate, levodopa, methyldopa, and carbamazepine
- Increased risk of developing hypotension when used with spinal anaesthesia
Phenelzine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after consuming phenelzine are:
- Dizzy
- Weak
- Sleepiness or difficulty sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Constipation
- Tremors and muscle twitches
- Swelling and weight gain
- Problems with sex
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Headaches that occur suddenly
- Neck feels stiff or painful
- Nausea or vomiting
- Excessive sweating, can be in the form of cold sweats or with fever
- Dilated pupils, which is indicated by the eyes becoming more sensitive to light
- The heart beats fast or feels vibrating
- The heart beats slower
- Chest pain
- Jaundice