Phenelzine is used to treat depression that may be associated with anxiety.
Take Phenelzine 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.
You may take Phenelzine with or without food.
Phenelzine 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:
- phaeochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal gland of your kidney)
- congestive heart failure
- kidney or liver disease
as Phenelzine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Phenelzine concurrently or within 14 days of treatment with other medicines to treat depression such as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Inform your doctor if you:
- have a history of fits (seizure)
- have suicidal thoughts
- have diabetes
- have heart disease
- are undergoing electroshock therapy
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Phenelzine.
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 happy hormones that minimize mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness, and tiredness.
Phenelzine may make you drowsy or dizzy. You may also experience some problems with your eyesight, such as blurred vision. 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 Phenelzine 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. It will also help if you take the very first dose of this medicine at bedtime.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, fever, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, excessive daytime sleeping, itching, dry mouth, rash, constipation, weight gain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sweating and changes in sex drive.
Phenelzine may cause a serious side effect affecting your blood pressure. If you have the following symptoms: headache that spreads to the front, irregular heartbeat, neck stiffness,nausea or vomiting, sweating that may be accompanied with fever, enlarged pupils and sensitivity to sunlight, alert your doctor immediately.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- fits or seizures
- yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes
- confusion and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- jerky movements or other uncontrollable movements
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
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 Phenelzine concurrently or within 14 days of treatment with other medicines to treat depression such as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicine that suppresses the appetite e.g. sibutramine
- medicine to treat Parkinson's disease
- medicine for high blood pressure
- medicine for epilepsy e.g. phenobarbital
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Phenelzine.
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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