Nardil

phenelzine sulfate

Nardil is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor prescribed for the relief of clinical depression. It is also prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and eating disorders such as bulimia and social anxiety disorder.

Nardil is effective in depressed patients clinically classified as atypical, nonendogenous or neurotic. Its usefulness with severely depressed patients with endogenous features is inconclusive.

Common side effects observed in patients taking Nardil include:

• dizziness
• headache
• drowsiness
• insomnia
• nightmares
• fatigue
• weakness
• tremors
• twitching
• dry mouth
• weight gain
• edema
• tiredness
• excitement
• anxiety
• changes in appetite

Patients should contact their doctors if any of the following symptoms are severe or persistent:

* constipation * difficulty urinating * frequent urination * blurred vision * changes in sex drive or ability * excessive sweating

Patients should contact their doctors immediately if they experiences severe side effects while taking Nardil, such as:

• severe headache
• jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
• neck stiffness or soreness
• swelling of legs or arms
• fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat
• convulsions

Patients who stop taking Nardil may suffer withdrawal, which includes symptoms like:

• nausea
• vomiting
• malaise

Source: “Drug Information: Phenelzine,” MedlinePlus Drug Information Sheet, July 1, 2006; “Nardil,” Food and Drug Administration, May 2001.