Phenelzine - Benefits, dosage and side effects

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:39

Phenelzine is a drug used to treat depression. These antidepressants are usually used when other treatments don't work

Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) type of antidepressant drug. This drug works 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 trademark: -

What is Phenelzine

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	MAOI Drugs
Benefits	Overcoming depression
Consumed by	Adult
Phenelzine for pregnant and lactating mothers	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are 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 telling your doctor first.
Medicine form	Tablets

Warning Before Taking Phenelzine

Before taking this medicine, 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 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 have used 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 taking phenelzine, as this medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications or supplements and certain herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Notify your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking phenelzine.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Phenelzine

Phenelzine should only be used as directed by a doctor. The usual dose of phenelzine for adults is 15 mg, 1-3 times a day. The dose can be increased to 4 times a day after 2 weeks and can be decreased when symptoms have improved and have stabilized for some time.

How to Take Phenelzine Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the medicine package before taking phenelzine. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Phenelzine can be taken before or after meals. Try to take the medicine at the same time every day, so that the treatment works optimally.

Do not stop taking phenelzine without a doctor's advice. While using this medicine, you may need to check your blood pressure regularly.

If you forget to take phenelzine, it is recommended to take it immediately if the gap between 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 direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Phenelzine Interaction with Other Drugs

The following are some of the effects of drug interactions that can occur when phenelzine is used with other drugs:

• Increased risk of developing a hypertensive crisis when used with other MAOI drugs, amphetamines, dopamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, methylphenidate, levodopa, or methyldopa
• Increasing the 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 if used with SSRI antidepressant drugs, such as fluoxetine; SNRIs, such as duloxetine; dextromethorphan; or illegal drugs like ecstasy
• Increased blood pressure when used with bupropion, buspirone, guanethidine, methylphenidate, levodopa, methyldopa, and carbamazepine
• Increased risk of hypotension when used with spinal anesthesia

Side Effects and Dangers of Phenelzine

Some of the side effects that can occur after taking phenelzine are:

• Dizzy
• Weak
• Drowsiness or difficulty sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Constipation
• Tremors and muscle twitches
• Swelling and weight gain
• Problems with sex

Consult your doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are getting worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

• Sudden headache
• Neck feels stiff or painful
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive sweating, can be a cold sweat or with a fever
• Dilated pupils, which is indicated by the eyes becoming more sensitive to light
• Heart beats fast or feels vibrating
• Heart beats slower
• chest pain
• Jaundice