Phenelzine



Nardil®







Phenelzine

(FEN el zeen)

U.S. Brand Names
Nardil®
Canadian Brand Names
Nardil®
Pharmacologic Category
Antidepressant, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • The desire to harm yourself is a serious symptom of depression. It may last until your depression is completely treated. If you are planning on harming yourself, dial 911 right away.
  • Please read the medication guide given to you.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to phenelzine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Liver disease, pheochromocytoma, severely weakened heart, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
  • If you are taking any of these medicines: Citalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, or sertraline. Do not use within 2 weeks of other antidepressants.
  • Fluoxetine should be stopped for at least 5 weeks before starting this medicine.
  • If you cannot follow the diet guidelines needed when taking this medicine. See How Is It Best Taken? for more details.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat depression.
How does it work?
  • Phenelzine increases chemicals in the brain.
  • In depression, sleep and appetite may improve quickly. Other depressive symptoms may take up to 4-6 weeks to improve.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Follow diet instructions. Certain foods and drinks taken with this medicine can cause very dangerous reactions such as sudden high blood pressure. To prevent these problems, get a list of foods to avoid from a nutritionist.
  • Avoid eating foods such as aged cheeses and meats, soy sauce, soy bean including paste, Miso soup, Italian green beans (fava beans), snowpea or broad bean pods, sauerkraut, kimchee, concentrated yeast extracts (Marmite), wine, beer including alcohol-free beer.
  • If medicine is stopped, follow diet for at least 2 more weeks.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Fluoxetine should be stopped for 5 weeks before starting this medicine.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Do not use over-the-counter medicines containing dextromethorphan or pseudoephedrine.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Avoid caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Inability to sleep.
  • High blood pressure can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • If you are planning to harm yourself or the desire to harm yourself increases.
  • Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.
  • Confusion; very nervous; anger with sweating, shivering, stiffness, or shaking.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear an allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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