Nardil Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Phenelzine sulfate

PHENELZINE (Nardil®) belongs to a class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Nardil is also known as Phenelzine. Phenelzine increases the level of certain chemicals in the brain that help fight depression and other mood problems, including certain anxiety disorders. Phenelzine can interact with certain foods and other medicines to cause unpleasant side effects.

Nardil Dosage

• The usual starting dose is 15 milligrams (1 tablet) 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase the dosage to 90 milligrams per day.
• Older people are more likely to have poor liver, kidney, or heart function, or other diseases that could increase the likelihood of side effects, a relatively low dose of Nardil is usually recommended at the start.

Uses of Nardil

• Phenelzine is used to treat symptoms of depression including such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.
• MAO inhibitors are also used occasionally to treat eating disorders, cocaine addiction, headaches, and panic attacks.

Side Effects of Nardil

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Nardil. Side effects may include:

• Constipation
• disorders of the stomach and intestines
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• excessive sleeping
• fatigue
• headache
• insomnia
• itching
• low blood pressure (especially when rising quickly from lying down or sitting up)
• muscle spasms
• sexual difficulties
• strong reflexes
• swelling due to fluid retention
• tremors
• twitching
• weakness
• weight gain

Warnings and precautions before taking Nardil:

• You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant and plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking phenelzine, then call your doctor immediately.
• Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug. If you are using tobacco products, then you should tell your doctor.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to phenelzine or any other drugs.
• You should also be avoided high protein food that has undergone breakdown by ageing, fermentation, pickling, smoking or bacterial contamination.
• Avoid suddenly ceasing this medication. Sudden cessation may result in nightmares, agitation or convulsions.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Nardil, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Nardil medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nardil with the other drugs. Do not start to taking any medicine without talking with your doctor.

Overdose

When you are taking Nardil, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Nardil overdose may include:-

• Agitation
• backward arching of the head
• neck
• convulsions
• drowsiness
• faintness
• hallucinations
• irritability
• jaw muscle spasms
• low blood pressure
• pain in the heart area
• rapid and irregular pulse
• rigidity
• sweating