How does it work?

Phenelzine 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. Phenelzine 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. Phenelzine is used to treat depression that is classified as atypical, non-endogenous or neurotic. It is also used to treat depression that has failed to respond to other antidepressant medicines. The response to treatment may be delayed for at least three weeks and may take an additional one or two weeks for the maximum effect to be reached.

What is it used for?

Depression

Warning!

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 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.

Avoid suddenly ceasing this medication. Sudden cessation may result in nightmares, agitation or convulsions.

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.

This medicine interacts with various other medicines, including those that can be bought without a prescription. It is important to tell your pharmacist that you are taking this medicine before you buy any others, for example cold and flu remedies.

Use with caution in

Blood disorders

Diabetes

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Elderly people

Epilepsy

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

People also taking diuretics

Not to be used in

Children under 16 years of age

Congestive heart failure

Decreased liver function

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

History of liver 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.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while 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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