tranylcypromine

What is the most important information I should know about tranylcypromine?

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

What is tranylcypromine?

Tranylcypromine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.

Tranylcypromine is used to treat major depressive episodes in adults when other medicines have not been effective.

Tranylcypromine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tranylcypromine?

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A dangerous drug interaction could occur between tranylcypromine and certain other medications you used in the past 14 days. You should not take tranylcypromine if you also use:

• other antidepressants;
• buspirone, carbamazepine, reserpine, tapentadol, tetrabenazine, tryptophan, SAM-e;
• diet pills, stimulants, ADHD medications, cough and cold or allergy medicines;
• another MAO inhibitor --isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and others; or
• drugs that affect serotonin levels in your body --stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high or low blood pressure, circulation problems, or a stroke;
• bipolar disorder (manic depression);
• liver disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• headaches;
• diabetes (tranylcypromine may cause low blood sugar); or
• a seizure.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

How should I take tranylcypromine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

You may need to stop using tranylcypromine for a short time before any type of surgery or medical procedure. Tell any doctor who treats you that you take tranylcypromine.

It may take a few weeks before you receive the full benefit of taking tranylcypromine. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

Do not stop using tranylcypromine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking tranylcypromine?

• air dried, aged or fermented meats, including sausage or salami;
• beer on tap (not in a bottle or can);
• pickled herring;
• aged cheeses, including blue, boursault, brie, camembert, cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, parmesan, Romano, Roquefort, and Swiss;
• moldy or improperly stored meat, fish, poultry, or liver;
• soy sauce, miso soup, bean curd, fava beans; or
• yeast extracts, Marmite.

Eating tyramine while you are taking tranylcypromine can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels, causing life-threatening side effects. Also avoid tyramine for 2 weeks after you stop taking tranylcypromine.

What are the possible side effects of tranylcypromine?

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

• dilated pupils, vision problems, sensitivity to light;
• sudden and severe headache, neck pain or stiffness;
• numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• fever, cold sweat, nausea, vomiting;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• a seizure;
• manic episodes --racing thoughts, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, risk-taking behavior, being agitated or talkative;
• high levels of serotonin in the body --agitation, hallucinations, sweating, shivering, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• liver problems --loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• constipation;
• dry mouth, blurred vision;
• trouble sleeping;
• headache; or
• feeling shaky or excited.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect tranylcypromine?

When you start or stop taking tranylcypromine, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of any other medicines you take on a regular basis.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about tranylcypromine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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