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Tranylcypromine

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(tran il sip' roe meen)

Brand name(s): Parnate

Contents of this page:

Why is this medication prescribed?

Tranylcypromine, a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor and an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Tranylcypromine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tranylcypromine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take tranylcypromine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tranylcypromine without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Other uses for this medicine

MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] are used occasionally to treat eating disorders, cocaine addiction, headaches, and panic attacks. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking tranylcypromine,

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Avoid foods and beverages containing tyramine or tryptophan while taking tranylcypromine and for 2 weeks after stopping this drug. These foods and beverages include alcoholic beverages, especially beer, Chianti, and other red wines; alcohol-free beer; cheeses (especially strong, aged, or processed varieties); sauerkraut; yogurt; raisins; bananas; sour cream; pickled herring; liver (especially chicken liver); dry sausage (including hard salami and pepperoni); canned figs; avocados; soy sauce; turkey; yeast extracts; papaya products (including certain meat tenderizers); fava beans; and broad bean pods. Excessive amounts of caffeine and chocolate also should be avoided.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you take several doses per day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

If you take tranylcypromine once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take it until the next morning, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects from tranylcypromine are common:

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to tranylcypromine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003


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