How does it work?

Tranylcypromine belongs to a group of medicines known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs). Depression is a complicated disease that is not fully understood. It is thought that depression may be linked to an imbalance of chemicals within the brain. When depression occurs, there may be a decrease in the amount of chemicals released from nerve cells in the brain. These chemicals are called monoamines. Monoamines are broken down by a chemical called monoamine oxidase. Tranylcypromine prevents monoamine oxidase from breaking down the monoamines. This results in an increased amount of active monoamines in the brain. By increasing the amount of monoamines in the brain, the imbalance of chemicals thought to cause depression is altered. This helps relieve the symptoms of depression. Tranylcypromine is not used for the treatment of mild depression caused by external influences. It is used for the treatment of depression that has not responded to other antidepressant treatment or depression that is accompanied by phobia.

What is it used for?

Depression

Warning!

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Avoid high protein food that has undergone breakdown by ageing, fermentation, pickling, smoking or bacterial contamination. (See the interactions section for further information)

This medication may cause insomnia. If this occurs, the last dose of the day should be taken no later than 3pm.

This medicine may cause low blood sodium levels (hyponatraemia), which can result in drowsiness, confusion, muscle twitching or convulsions. Consult your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms while taking this medicine.

Blood pressure should be frequently monitored as this medicine may cause it to increase. This medicine should be stopped if heart palpitations or frequent headaches occur. Seek advice from your doctor.

This medication should be discontinued two weeks prior to elective surgery or dental procedures. Discontinuing this medication may cause some nausea, vomiting and a general feeling of ill health.

Use with caution in

Diabetes

Elderly people

Epilepsy

Heart disease in people whose physical activity needs to be regulated

History of alcoholism or drug abuse

Not to be used in

Blood disorders

Disease of the blood vessels in and around the brain (cerebrovascular disease)

Hyperthyroidism

Liver disease

Severe cardiovascular disease

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medication.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

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