How does it work?

Moclobemide is the first of a new class of antidepressants known as reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type A (RIMAs). 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 certain chemicals released from nerve cells in the brain. These chemicals are called monoamines and include noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin. Monoamines in the brain are broken down by a chemical called monoamine oxidase A. Moclobemide prevents the action of this chemical, and so stops it 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 depression. Moclobemide may also be used in the treatment of social phobia. It is not fully understood how it works in this illness.

What is it used for?

Fear of social situations (social phobia)

Major 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.

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.

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.

If this medicine is used to treat a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, it may provoke a manic phase.

You should avoid the consumption of large amounts of tyramine-rich foods while you are taking this medicine, as this combination can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Tyramine-rich foods include matured cheeses, yeast extracts (eg Oxo, Bovril, Marmite) and fermented soya bean products.

Use with caution in

Agitated and excited states

Severely decreased liver function

Thyrotoxicosis

Not to be used in

Acute states of confusion

Children

Schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorders

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.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

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

Take this medication with or after food.

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