Before taking moclobemide

Before taking moclobemide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have thyroid problems.
• If you have liver problems.
• If you have bipolar disorder or are feeling particularly agitated or confused.
• If you have phaeochromocytoma (a tumour on your adrenal gland).
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
• If you are (or have been) taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take moclobemide

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack and any additional information your doctor gives to you.
• Take moclobemide exactly as your doctor has told you.Take each of your doses with or just after a meal.
• Try to take moclobemide at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
• Some people who take moclobemide may be very sensitive to a substance called tyramine which is present in some foods and alcoholic drinks. You should avoid eating large amounts of food such as mature cheese, pickled herring, broad beans, yeast extracts such as Marmite®, Oxo® and Bovril®, and fermented soya bean extract (an ingredient in some Chinese food).
• You may feel that moclobemide is not working for you straightaway. It can take two or three weeks after starting this treatment before the effect builds up and 4-6 weeks before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking moclobemide after a week or so, thinking it is not helping.
• Check with your pharmacist before buying or taking any other medicines to make sure that they are safe to take with moclobemide. Some commonly used cough and cold remedies must not be taken with moclobemide.
• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking moclobemide.
• When you first start taking moclobemide or while you are depressed, you may have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. It is very important that you tell your doctor about this if it happens.
• Your doctor will ask you to carry on taking moclobemide after you feel better. You should expect that a normal course of treatment will last for around six months after your symptoms have eased.
• Do not stop taking moclobemide unless your doctor tells you to do so. Stopping treatment suddenly can sometimes cause problems and your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually if this is necessary.

Can moclobemide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store moclobemide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Manerix® 150 mg and 300 mg, Meda Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2011.
• British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)