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 the doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Isocarboxazid must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could 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:
- liver disease
- heart disease
- poor blood flow to the brain
- phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland)
as Isocarboxazid may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Isocarboxazid if you are currently taking a certain types of medicine to treat depression such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). If treatment with SSRI is needed, start treatment with SSRI 14 days after stopping Isocarboxazid. Do not use Isocarboxazid within 5 weeks of fluoxetine discontinuation.
Inform your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease
- diabetes
- blood disorders
- seizure disorder
- suicidal thoughts
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Always keep your appointments with your doctor so that he will be able to monitor your response to Isocarboxazid.
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 make you drowsy or dizzy. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
You may feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the first time. This is common and should disappear gradually as you get used to the medicine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
Other side effects include any of the following: constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, difficulty sleeping and dry mouth.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- seizure
- difficulty passing urine
- jerky motion
- confusion
- other behavioral changes
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 a certain types of medicine to treat depression such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). If treatment with SSRI is needed, start treatment with SSRI 14 days after stopping Isocarboxazid. Do not use Isocarboxazid within 5 weeks of fluoxetine discontinuation.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- anti-Parkinson's medicines e.g. levodopa, dopamine
- medicine used to treat epilepsy e.g. carbamazepine
- medicines for colds and allergies
- medicine for severe pain e.g. pethidine
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 medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and food or high protein food that has been processed by aging, fermentation, pickling or smoking such as cheese, meat, beer, wine, yeast spreads such as Marmite, or soya sauce. Also avoid fava beans, broad bean pods, and excessive amounts of chocolate, tea and coffee.
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light, and away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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