Nardil (Phenelzine)

What is Nardil?

Nardil is an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor).

What is Nardil used for?

Nardil is indicated for the treatment of depression. It can also help improve the patient’s mood.

How does Nardil work?

Nardil works by restoring the balance of certain natural chemicals, neurotransmitters, in the brain.

How to use Nardil

Nardil should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer period or in larger amount than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken orally, 1 – 3 times a day (as directed by the doctor). It is recommended to take each dose with full glass of water. The medicine may be taken with or without food.

Take the medicine for the full prescription time to get the best results. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. You should not stop taking the medicine without doctor’s advice because it may lead to side effects and withdrawal symptoms that may cause health problems.

Nardil warnings and precautions

Do not take this medication if you have used another MAOI in the past two weeks. Also, the medication is not to be taken if you have congestive heart failure, pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), history of liver troubles, or if you need to undergo a surgery with anesthesia.

 Prior to taking the medicine, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if it consists of schizophrenia, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or epilepsy. Also, tell him if you have taken other antidepressant in the past five weeks.

While you are on the prescription period of Nardil, do not consume foods that are high in tyramine such as cheese (other than cream cheese or cottage cheese), yogurt, meat extracts, fava beans, yeast extracts, etc.

Pregnant and lactating females should consult their doctors before starting to take the medicine as it is not known whether the use of Nardil by pregnant or breast feeding women could affect unborn or nursing babies or not.

What do I do if I have missed a Nardil dose?

If you have missed a Nardil dose, you should take the medicine as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

What do I do if I have taken a Nardil overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Nardil, you should seek medical help right away.

Nardil interactions

Before taking Nardil always let your doctor know about all your prescribed and non prescribed medicines. Some drugs can interact with Nardil if taken in tandem with it. A list of such drugs includes antidepressants, appetite suppressants, diabetes medications and medicines for high blood pressure.

Do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Nardil side effects

Nardil side effects include sudden headache (that is severe in nature), stiffness in the neck, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, problems with vision, increased sensitivity to light, weight gain, swelling, agitation, light headedness, fainting, unusual thought and behavior, slow or fast heartbeats and some allergic reactions. If you experience any such side effect after your Nardil dose, you should contact your doctor right away.

Weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, sleep related troubles such as insomnia, stomach upset, constipation, decreased urination, dry mouth, impotence and difficulty having an orgasm are some less serious side effects of Nardil.