Moclobemide is used to treat depression and social anxiety disorder (a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations, also known as social phobia).
Take Moclobemide 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.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Moclobemide 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:
- acute confusional state (a syndrome characterised by disorientation or disturbance in cognition)
- phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
as Moclobemide may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to children.
Do not take Moclobemide with other medicines used to treat depression such as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), mood disorder, cough and colds, moderate to severe pain, obesity, certain antibiotics and blood disorder. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- excitation or agitation (feeling of anxiety or nervous excitement)
- mood changes between feeling very high (mania) and very low (depression)
- schizophrenia (long-term mental disorder that causes changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour)
- thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid)
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medicines for depression such as Moclobemide may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and liver function may also be needed. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these 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.
Moclobemide may cause any of the following side effects: headache, agitation, irritability, disorientation, tremors, muscle rigidity, irregular movements, ringing in the ears, chest pain, rapid or slow heartbeat, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, muscle pain, and dry mouth.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- development of severe anxiety or nervousness
- 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 Moclobemide if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine
- other medicines to treat depression e.g. bupropion, escitalopram, venlafaxine, clomipramine
- medicines for cough and colds e.g. dextromethorphan, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine
- medicines for moderate to severe pain e.g. pethidine, tramadol
- medicines for migraine e.g. sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
- sibutramine (medicine for obesity)
- linezolid (antibiotic)
- methylene blue (medicine for blood disorder)
- thioridazine (medicine for mood disorder)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- strong painkillers e.g. morphine, fentanyl, dextropropoxyphene
- other medicines to treat depression e.g. trimipramine, maprotiline
- cimetidine (medicine used to treat conditions caused by excessive acidity in your stomach)
- gastric medicines e.g. omeprazole
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Moclobemide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, 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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