Nardil Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Brand name: Nardil

Pronounced: NAHR-dill

Generic name: Phenelzine sulfate

Nardil is also known as Phenelzine. It is a potent monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. Monoamine oxidase is a complex enzyme system, widely distributed throughout the body. The possible combined hypotensive effects of phenelzine sulfate and spinal anaesthesia should be kept in mind. Phenelzine sulfate should be discontinued at least 10 days prior to elective surgery. Even though, phenelzine is usually indicated only for patients who have failed to respond to safer drugs, such as SSRIs. High blood pressure prevention is critical during treatment with phenelzine. MAO is an enzyme responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain. Phenelzine belongs to a class of drugs, called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) , that block certain enzymes in the brain. Phenelzine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day and may be taken with or without food.

Nardil Dosage:

• The dose of Nardil will be different for different patients.
• Once you have had good results, your doctor may gradually reduce the dose, possibly to as low as 15 milligrams daily or every 2 days.
• The usual starting dose is 15 milligrams (1 tablet) 3 times a day.
• Your doctor may increase the dosage to 90 milligrams per day.
• It is not recommended, since safety and efficacy for children under the age of 16 have not been determined.

Uses of Nardil:

• Phenelzine (Nardil) is used in the treatment of depressed patients clinically characterized as "atypical", "nonendogenous" or "neurotic".
• MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] are also used occasionally to treat eating disorders, cocaine addiction, headaches, and panic attacks.
• This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Nardil:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Disorders of the stomach and intestines.
• Dry mouth.
• Swelling due to fluid retention.
• Fatigue.
• Hyperreflexia.
• Low blood pressure (especially when rising quickly from lying down or sitting up).
• Myoclonic movements.
• Swelling in the throat.
• Yellowed skin and whites of eyes.
• Lack of coordination.
• Involuntary eyeball movements.
• Exaggerated feeling of well-being.

Warnings and precautions before taking Nardil:

• Avoid suddenly ceasing this medication. Sudden cessation may result in nightmares, agitation or convulsions.
• You should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to phenelzine or any other drugs.
• This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking phenelzine, call your doctor immediately.
• Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Drug Interaction:

If Nardil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is important to check with your doctor before combining Nardil with the following drugs such as includes:

• Amphetamines,
• Levodopa,
• Rauwolfia,
• Tetrabenazine,
• Other amines causing blood vessel constriction such as phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine.

Overdose:

• If you are taking certain drugs with nardil, then other drugs may decreased or increased and altered the effects.
• Signs and symptoms of overdosage may include, alone or in combination, any of the following: drowsiness, dizziness, hallucinations, opisthotonos, hyperpyrexia, clammy skin.
• US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
• Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

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