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Nardil

Generic name: Phenelzine sulfate

MAO is an enzyme responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain. By inhibiting MAO, Nardil helps restore more normal mood states. Unfortunately, MAO inhibitors such as Nardil also block MAO activity throughout the body, an action that can have serious, even fatal, side effects--especially if MAO inhibitors are combined with other foods or drugs containing a substance called tyramine.

Nardil Dosage

Recommended adult dose is 45 mg daily to 90 mg daily in 3 divided doses near the beginning of therapy and reduced to a smaller dose after maximum benefit has been achieved.

Uses of Nardil

• Nardil is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor used to treat depression as well as anxiety or phobias mixed with depression.
• Phenelzine is used to treat symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.

Side Effects of Nardil

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Nardil. Side effects may include:

• Constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• liver problems
• low blood pressure upon standing
• sexual problems
• sleep disturbances
• stomach and intestinal problems
• water retention
• weight gain

Warnings and precautions before taking Nardil:

• If you are taking Nardil, talk to your doctor before you decide to have elective surgery.
• If you stop taking Nardil abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms. They may include nightmares, agitation, strange behavior, and convulsions.
• In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Nardil or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Nardil is not approved for treating children.
• Nardil may cause excessive stimulation in schizophrenic patients; in manic-depressive states it may result in a swing from a depressive to a manic phase.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine.
• Be cautious when driving or performing other hazardous activities. This medicine can impair judgment.

Drug Interaction :- If Nardil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is important that you closely follow your doctor's dietary and medication limitations when taking Nardil.

In addition, you should use blood pressure medications (including water pills and beta blockers) with caution when taking Nardil, since excessively low blood pressure may result. Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness when rising from a lying or sitting position, fainting, and tingling in the hands or feet.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Nardil can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Agitation, backward arching of the head, neck, and back, cool, clammy skin, coma, convulsions, difficult breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, faintness, hallucinations, high blood pressure, high fever, hyperactivity, irritability, jaw muscle spasms, low blood pressure, pain in the heart area, rapid and irregular pulse, rigidity, severe headache, sweating