Phenelzine

About phenelzine

Phenelzine works by reducing the action of an enzyme in the brain called monoamine oxidase. This can help people with some types of depression.

Before taking phenelzine

Before taking phenelzine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from heart or liver problems.
• If you suffer from diabetes, epilepsy or hypertension (high blood pressure).
• If you have had a stroke, or have a condition that affects the blood supply to the brain.
• If you suffer from porphyria or any other blood disorders.
• If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
• If you experience faintness or light-headedness when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
• If you have recently stopped taking any other medicines to treat your depression.
• If you are having electroconvulsive therapy.
• If you are in a manic phase of your condition.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take phenelzine

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• It may take up to five weeks before you begin to feel the benefits of this treatment. Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Try to take phenelzine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. The dose that you are taking may need to be changed.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Your diet is very important while you are being treated with phenelzine. Foods which contain an amino acid called tyramine may cause a severe rise in blood pressure if they are eaten while you are taking phenelzine.
• You should not eat foods such as cheese, pickled herring, meat extracts (e.g. Oxo), broad bean pods, yoghurt, yeast or soya products (e.g. Marmite, Bovril), game, salami or pepperoni. You should only eat fresh foods and avoid stale or "going off" food, especially meat, fish, poultry and offal.
• Do not drink alcohol or low alcohol drinks while you are being treated with phenelzine.
• Important: If your doctor decides to stop your treatment with phenelzine, you will need to continue the special diet for at least two weeks after your last dose
• A persistent throbbing headache is a sign of an interaction with food. If you experience this contact your doctor as soon as possible.
• Important: Before taking any 'Over the Counter' medicines check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take with phenelzine. You should also tell them if you have recently stopped taking phenelzine. Some commonly used cough and cold preparations will not be suitable for you to take while you are taking phenelzine and for about two weeks after you have stopped taking it.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking phenelzine. This is because, except in an emergency, the anaesthetist will want you to stop taking phenelzine for two weeks before giving you a general anaesthetic.
• You may experience dizziness, light-headedness or fainting when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help, but if the problem becomes too troublesome speak with your doctor.
• Important: Tell your doctor straight away if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life.

Can phenelzine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other possible side effects include sudden movements without control from the patient, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), weakness and tiredness, indigestion, tummy ache, diarrhoea, swollen ankles, agitated moods, shakiness, nervousness, blurred vision, difficulty urinating (passing water), skin rashes, sexual problems, weight gain, seeing things that aren't real or pins and needles.

Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or severe drowsiness, confusion and convulsions (fits) contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

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

How to store phenelzine

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

Important information about all medicines