Nardil

The active ingredient in Nardil is phenelzine sulfate. Nardil is classified as an MAOI or monoamine oxidase inhibitor. It functions by preventing the breakdown of specific neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, by the proteins MAO type A (MAO-A) and MAO type B (MAO-B). These substances impact mood regulation.

Phenelzine (Nardil) maintains high levels of MAO-A and MAO-B in the brain by inhibiting these molecules. This is believed to aid in the treatment of depression symptoms.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Nardil. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Nardil:

• Nardil may be taken with or without food. If it is causing stomach pain, taking it with meals may help.
• Inform your healthcare staff that you take Nardil. There are a lot of medications that Nardil can interact with and boost your risk for serious adverse effects.
• Find out from your healthcare team the foods you should avoid when taking Nardil. Certain meals and drinks can increase your risk of dangerously high blood pressure during therapy, so you will need to limit them.
• Never stop taking Nardil or alter your dosage without first consulting your doctor.

The most common side effects of phenelzine seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Drowsiness.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Headache.
• Constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Weight gain and fluid retention.
• Blurred vision.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Sexual problems.
• Tremors.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Nardil. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Hypertensive crisis (dangerously high blood pressure): seizures, chest pain, severe headaches, disorientation, blurred vision, anxiety, and difficulty breathing.
• Serotonin syndrome: hallucinations, seizures, disorientation, agitation, sweating, shivering, headaches, a racing heart, tremors, and tight or twitching muscles.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Nardil. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Nardil, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Heart disease and elevated blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Schizophrenia.
• Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy.
• In the previous 2 weeks, you used another antidepressant.
• Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor).
• Congestive heart failure.
• Serious kidney disease.
• A history of abnormal liver function tests or liver issues.
• Eat certain foods such as pepperoni, salami, and aged cheeses.

Boxed Warning

• In short-term clinical studies, the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors was increased in children, adolescents, and young adults less than 24 years of age taking antidepressants for major depressive disorders and other mental illnesses. You should be monitored closely for any changes in behavior, worsening depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

• Heart failure.
• Severe kidney issues.
• Liver disease.
• Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland.
• Procedures involving general anesthesia.
• Consume foods high in dopamine or tyramine.
• Consume with alcohol.
• In combination with meperidine or several other opioids.
• Take with stimulant drugs such as Adderall (a mixture of amphetamine salts) or phentermine (Adipex-P).
• Take with dextromethorphan-containing medicines.
• When taken with drugs that increase serotonin levels.
• In combination with bupropion, buspirone (Buspar), or other antidepressants.

Nardil, like other antidepressants, can begin to alleviate symptoms of depression in as little as two weeks. To fully benefit from the drug, however, it may take up to two months. So, even if you don't see any change right away, try to be patient and keep taking Nardil daily.

When Nardil is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Tryptophan, levodopa, meperidine, carbamazepine, buspirone, bupropion, and guanethidine.
• ADHD drugs.
• Diet pills, cold and cough remedies, or medications for allergies.
• Opioid medications.
• Additional MAO inhibitors include tranylcypromine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, methylene blue injection, furazolidone, isocarboxazid, and linezolid.
• Medications that alter serotonin levels in the body, such as opioids, stimulants, herbal remedies, medications for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraines, severe infections, or medications that stop nausea and vomiting.
• Fluoxetine.
• Methyldopa.
• Amitriptyline.
• Cyclobenzaprine.
• Methylphenidate.
• Duloxetine.
• Mirtazapine.

The usual starting dose is 15 mg by mouth 3 times daily. The dose will then typically be increased by your healthcare provider to a daily total of 60 mg-90 mg.

Your doctor will reduce your dosage over a few weeks to a maintenance level once you've experienced the full benefits of the drug. As little as 15 mg daily or every other day might occasionally be used as a maintenance dosage.

Generally speaking, your doctor will change your dosage depending on how well Nardil relieves your depression symptoms and whether you have any unpleasant or severe side effects.

Take the medication as soon as you can after missing a dose, but if your next dose is close, skip the missed one. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store your Nardil medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Naril is Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

There are lower-cost generic versions available of Nardil.

Never stop taking Nardil without first consulting your doctor. Stopping too soon can have negative consequences. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any new side effects after stopping Nardil, such as the following.

Nardil is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if Nardil passes into breast milk as there are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.