Nardil (Phenelzine) from Maple Leaf Medications.

What is Nardil?

Sold under the trade-name Nardil, Phenelzine is a non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) of irreversible type, belonging to the hydrazine class of drugs. It is used effectively as an anti-depressant and anxiolytic to help with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

The medicine normalizes the chemical imbalance in the brain to treat the illnesses. Nardil is usually prescribed to the patients who haven’t shown considerable progress with other anti-depressants.

Symptoms Treated with Nardil

Nardil belongs to a special class of drugs called Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). As the name suggests, the medicine inhibits or limits two major monoamine oxidase enzymes present in the brain: monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). By controlling the levels of these chemical compounds, the medicine helps fight the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), especially treatment-resistant depression and atypical depression. Treatment-resistance means that the patient has failed to respond to first and second-line medications.

Common symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fear, loneliness, anxiety, and being over-conscious about one’s physical appearance. Nardilhas found to demonstrate therapeutic properties when treating social phobia, bulimia, post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), dysthymia, and panic attacks. Moreover, it is used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

The drug might not be effective in treating cases of severe or manic depression (bipolar disorder).

Before Taking Nardil

This medicine is not prescribed if the patient had taken any other MAOI in the past 2 weeks. In which case, the doctor must be informed about the medication used and any allergic reactions noted. When taking Nardil, discuss the risk of any possible interactions with the doctor. Provide a list of medicines in use, especially diet pills, caffeine, stimulants, ADHD medication, asthma medication, and over-the-counter medicines for cough, cold, and allergies.

A history of any diseases and disorders must be discussed with the doctor since Nardil is not prescribed to people suffering from pheochromocytoma, congestive heart failure, or liver problems. The doctor must know if the patient is planning to undergo surgery with anesthesia.

Before starting the medicine, inform your guardian or caretakers as this medicine can cause suicidal thoughts during the first 12 weeks of treatment or when the dose is changed. Keep your family informed about your feelings and moods.

The doctor will adjust the dose for best results and keep a check on your blood pressure. Thus, you must visit the doctor regularly.

How to Take Nardil

Take Nardil strictly as per the doctor’s prescription. Skipping doses or overdosage can lead to dangerous results. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. For any clarification, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

The recommended dosage for Nardil is a starting dose of one 15mg-tablet to be taken orally thrice a day. The doctor will monitor the patient’s tolerance and shift to early phase treatment in which the dose can be increased to 60 mg or 90 mg per day for at least 4 weeks. For best results, the dosage will be reduced gradually until a maintenance dose of one 15 mg tablet is prescribed to be taken once a day or once every other day.

The medicine can be taken with or without food. Regular use can help with symptoms. However, it might take several weeks for the symptoms to improve. Do not stop the medicine without a doctor’s direction as it could lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Store the medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. If the condition doesn’t improve or worsens, consult your doctor right away.

FAQs about Nardil