Antidepressants, Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitor (Systemic)
Category- Antidepressant - Isocarboxazid; Phenelzine; Tranylcypromine
- Antipanic
agent - Phenelzine; Tranylcypromine
- Headache, tension, prophylactic - Phenelzine; Tranylcypromine
- Vascular headache prophylactic - Phenelzine; Tranylcypromine
DescriptionMonoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are used to relieve certain
types of mental depression. They work by blocking the action of a chemical
substance known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the nervous system.
Although these medicines are very effective for certain patients, they
may also cause some unwanted reactions if not taken in the right way. It is
very important to avoid certain foods, beverages, and medicines while you
are being treated with an MAO inhibitor. Your health care professional will
help you obtain a list to carry in your wallet or purse as a reminder of which
products you should avoid.
MAO inhibitors are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the
following dosage forms:
Oral
-
Isocarboxazid
-
Phenelzine
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
-
Tranylcypromine
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
- Nardil 2
- Parnate 3
- Marplan 1
In Canada -
|
Note:
|
For quick reference, the following antidepressants are numbered to
match the corresponding brand names. |
| This information applies to the following medicines: |
| 1. |
Isocarboxazid (eye-so-car-BOX-a-zid)† |
| 2. |
Phenelzine (FEN-el-zeen) |
| 3. |
Tranylcypromine (tran-ill-SIP-roe-meen) |
| † Not commercially available in Canada |
|
Note:
|
This information does not
apply to furazolidone,
procarbazine, or selegiline. |
|
