Isocarboxazid is used to treat depression.
Take Isocarboxazid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
Isocarboxazid must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- cerebrovascular disorder (disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain)
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- history of headache
- phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- liver disease
- severe kidney disease
as Isocarboxazid may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Isocarboxazid if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days.
Do not take Isocarboxazid with medicines used to treat mood disorders, high blood pressure and relieve cough. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- blood disorders
- epilepsy (fits or seizure)
- history of suicide-related events
- history of drug abuse
- hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
- schizophrenia (long-term mental disorder that causes changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour)
- bipolar disorder (mental condition that causes extreme mood changes between feeling very high [mania] and very low [depression])
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Isocarboxazid to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. kidney or liver function) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
What lifestyle changes should I make to cope with depression?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help increase energy and hormones in the body such as serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that minimise mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness, and tiredness.
Isocarboxazid may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: dizziness, difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- sudden severe headache, chest pain, blurred vision
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- having thoughts of self-harm
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Isocarboxazid if you are currently taking or have taken other medicines that are used to treat depression known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as citalopram, sertraline, paroxetine or monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Do not take Isocarboxazid with the following medicines:
- strong painkillers e.g. pethidine, morphine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, carbamazepine
- medicines used to relieve cough e.g. phenylpropanolamine, dextromethorphan
- medicines for cold or allergy
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. methyldopa
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- buspirone (medicine for anxiety)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for diabetes
- other medicines for depression e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Isocarboxazid.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and other drinks that contain tyramine such as red wine and beer.
Avoid foods that are rich in tyramine, such as cheese, sausages, soya beans, fava beans, broad beans, and pickled foods like sauerkraut. Ask your doctor or dietitian about the types of food you should avoid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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