Isocarboxazid (By Mouth)

Isocarboxazid (eye-soe-kar-BOX-a-zid)

Treats depression. This medicine is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.

Brand Name(s):

Marplan
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to isocarboxazid or if you have high blood pressure, liver disease, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease (such as a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack), pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland), severe kidney disease, or severe or frequent headaches. There are many other medicines, including nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, that you should not use while you are taking isocarboxazid. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may have to take this medicine for up to 6 weeks before you start feeling better.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• MAO inhibitors can be dangerous when used with other medicines. You may need to stop using other medicines for up to 14 days before you start and after you stop taking isocarboxazid. You should allow up to 5 weeks if you are changing from Prozac® to Marplan®.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Certain foods and drinks can cause dangerously high blood pressure in people who are taking isocarboxazid. Some of these are: cheese (especially strong or aged kinds), sour cream, Chianti wine, sherry, beer (including non-alcoholic beer), liqueurs, pickled herring, anchovies, caviar, liver, canned figs, raisins, bananas, avocados, chocolate, soy sauce, sauerkraut, fava beans, yeasts, yogurt, meat prepared with tenderizers, or dry sausage.
• Do not drink too much caffeine while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor how much caffeine is safe.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, diabetes, epilepsy, schizophrenia, bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, overactive thyroid, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine several days before your surgery or procedure. Isocarboxazid may interact with the dye used for an X-ray or CT scan.
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Tell your doctor if you also feel anxious or agitated along with the depression.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Bright light bothering your eyes more than normal
• Excessive sweating, sometimes with fever or cold, clammy skin
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• Frequent or severe headaches
• Seeing or hearing things that are not there, or severe confusion
• Stiff or sore neck
• Tightness in the chest or throat
• Vomiting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.