Nardil ®
Generic Name: Phenelzine (FEN-el-zeen)
Drug Class: Antidepressant, MAO inhibitor
Contents
Drug Uses
Phenelzine is used to treat depression. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine
for other conditions such as eating disorders, headaches, panic attacks and
cocaine addiction.
General Information
With MAO inhibitors you should avoid foods such as alcoholic beverages, especially
beer, red wines, aged cheeses, sauerkraut, yogurt, raisins, bananas, sour
cream, pickled herring, liver, dry sausage, canned figs, avocados, soy sauce,
turkey, yeast extracts, papaya products, fava beans and broad been pods. These
foods contain tyramine or tryptophan and should not be taken with this medicine
and for 2 weeks following the discontinuation of this drug.
How it Works
It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in
the brain. These chemicals are referred to as "neurotransmitters".
How to Take It
Follow the directions for taking this medicine exactly as prescribed on your
prescription bottle. Phenelzine comes as a tablet and is taken orally. Do
not take more or less of this medication than your doctor has told you to.
Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and chocolate. See the General Information
section for other foods to avoid.
Possible Side Effects
- The following common side effects have been reported with the use of
phenelzine:
- drowsiness
- weakness
- upset stomach
- anxiety
- insomnia
- nightmares
- dry mouth
- changes in appetite
- Contact your doctor right away if these symptoms are severe or do not
go away:
- constipation
- difficulty or frequent unrination
- blurred vision
- sweating
- sexual difficulties
Warnings/Precautions
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to phenelzine or Nardil.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine.
- Be cautious when driving or performing other hazardous activities. This
medicine can impair judgment.
- This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug. Talk
to your doctor if you smoke.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
- MAO inhibitors should not be taken while taking the following drugs:
- dexfenfluramine
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- venlafaxine (Effexor or Effexor XR)
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other antidepressants, medications
for blood pressure, medications for diabetes, sleeping pills, tranquilizers,
vitamins or herbs.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about
possible risks to your pregnancy. For breastfeeding mothers, it is not know
whether or not phenelzine is excreted in breast milk. Before breastfeeding
with this medicine, talk to your doctor or pediatrician.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |
