$Unique_ID{BRK02084}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PHENELZINE}
$Subject{Nardil (Parke-Davis)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PHENELZINE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Nardil (Parke-Davis)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor
INGREDIENT:
     phenelzine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (15 mg)
STORAGE:
     Phenelzine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     This medication is used to treat depression.  Phenelzine belongs to a
group of drugs known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.  It is not clearly
understood how it works, but it is thought to increase the amounts of certain
chemicals in the brain that act to relieve depression.

TREATMENT

     You can take phenelzine either on an empty stomach or, to avoid stomach
irritation, with food or milk (as directed by your doctor).
     If you are taking a single daily dose, it is best to take the dose in the
morning in order to avoid sleeping difficulties.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within two hours, take
the missed dose immediately and then return to your regular dosing schedule.
If more than two hours has passed, do not take the missed dose at all; just
return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.
     The full therapeutic benefits of this medication may not be observed for
up to four weeks after you start to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue,
headache, insomnia, nausea, restlessness, stomach upset, sweating, or
weakness.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     Phenelzine can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  Avoid prolonged
exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear protective clothing and sunglasses,
and use an effective sunscreen.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and drink more
water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety, blurred vision, changes in sexual ability, chills, confusion,
convulsions, darkened tongue, difficult or painful urination, fainting, false
sense of well-being, hallucinations, jitteriness, mental disorders, rapid
weight gain (three to five pounds within a week), uncoordinated movements, or
yellowing of the eyes or skin.
     If you experience a severe headache, stiff neck, chest pains,
palpitations, or vomiting while taking this medication, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR OR
AN EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY.  These symptoms may be the result of a food or
drug interaction.

INTERACTIONS

     Phenelzine interacts with a number of drugs and foods:
     1. Concurrent use of phenelzine with central nervous system depressants
(such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle
relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine tranquilizers, and
sleeping medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can lead to extreme
drowsiness.
     2. The dosage of anticonvulsant medications may need to be adjusted when
phenelzine is started.
     3. The use of phenelzine within 14 days of either another monoamine
oxidase inhibitor or carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, methyldopa, guanethidine,
reserpine, levodopa, meperidine or another narcotic, amphetamines, ephedrine,
methylphenidate, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, or a tricyclic
antidepressant can lead to serious (sometimes fatal) side effects.
     4. Tyramine-containing foods and beverages (aged cheeses, sour cream,
yogurt, pickled herring, chicken livers, canned figs, raisins, bananas,
avocados, soy sauce, broad bean pods, yeast extracts, beer, and certain
wines), excessive amounts of caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea,
cocoa, and cola), or chocolate can also cause serious reactions in patients on
phenelzine therapy.
     5. Phenelzine can increase the blood-sugar-lowering effects of insulin
and oral antidiabetic medications.
     Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.  Be sure you are aware of the foods that interact with phenelzine.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to phenelzine.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had asthma, bronchitis, diabetes mellitus,
epilepsy, glaucoma, severe headaches, heart or blood vessel disease, kidney
disease, liver disease, mental disorders, Parkinson's disease,
pheochromocytoma, or thyroid disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) asthma, allergy, cough, cold, diet, or sinus preparations.
Concurrent use of some of these products with phenelzine can lead to serious
side effects.
     * If you also have angina, do not increase your amount of physical
activity unless you first check with your doctor.  Phenelzine can decrease the
symptoms of angina without decreasing the risks of strenuous exercise.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Studies in animals
have shown that phenelzine can cause birth defects if it is taken in high
doses during pregnancy.  Studies in humans have not been conducted.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
phenelzine may pass into breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
