Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

MAO INHIBITORS - ORAL

Uses

This medication is used to treat depression.

How To Use

May be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Take this exactly as prescribed. Try to take each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember to routinely take it. It may take a few weeks for the full benefits of this medication to be noticed. Do not stop taking this drug without first consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness. May initially cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, tremors, irritability, sleeplessness, or flushing. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor promptly if the following effects occur: severe headache, rapid or irregular heart rate, skin rash, fever, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart or circulation problems, liver or kidney disease, head trauma, pheochromocytoma (specific type of tumor), alcohol use, mental/emotional conditions, frequent or severe headaches, high blood pressure, any allergies. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk and pose a risk to a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: apraclonidine, brimonidine, bethanidine, bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, dextromethorphan, entacapone, herbal products (e.g., ma huang), indoramin, meperidine, papaverine, sibutramine, SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram), sympathomimetics (e.g., methylphenidate, ephedrine), tolcapone, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), "triptans" (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting a MAO inhibitor. Before using this medication, be sure to tell your doctor what medicines (both prescription and nonprescription) you are taking, including: levodopa, tryptophan, insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs, other MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, selegiline), sedatives and drugs used to aid sleep, blood pressure medications. Consult your doctor about the need to watch your intake of foods containing tyramine. It is possible consuming tyramine- containing foods while using this medication could cause headache and/or increased blood pressure and could lead to a medical emergency. Tyramine food precautions should be observed for at least 2 weeks after you stop using this medication. The following is a partial list of tyramine-containing foods: Meat or Fish - pickled herring/liver/dry sausage/salami/meats prepared with tenderizer; Dairy - yogurt/sour cream/aged cheeses (cream or cottage cheese are okay); Beverages - beer/red wine/sherry - Avoid excessive amount of caffeine-containing colas/coffee/tea; Fruits and Vegetables - avocado/bananas/figs/raisins/broad beans/sauerkraut; Other - yeast extract/soy sauce/large amounts of chocolate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include convulsions, cool or clammy skin, severe dizziness or headache, hallucinations, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, fainting, irritability, sleeplessness, anxiety, weakness, sweating, confusion, unconsciousness, unusual fast heartbeat, or chest pain.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours. If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).