Phenelzine

WHAT IS IT?

Phenelzine (Nardil) is an MAOI antidepressant medication.

WHEN DO WE USE IT?

Major depressive disorder: while not a first-line medication, phenelzine can still be used to treat depression in certain circumstances.

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

In patients who are consuming tyramine containing foods:

  • Aged cheeses
  • Aged/cured meats
  • Aged/fermented soy products
  • Overripe fruits
  • Certain alcoholic beverages.
HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Oral administration: 

Source
Source
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

Hypertensive crisis in those who take this medication with tyramine containing foods.

FURTHER READING

DynaMed

UpToDate

 

Page Updated: 08.13.2016