Tranylcypromine
About Tranylcypromine
Tranylcypromine belongs to the group of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors used to treat moderate to severe depression. It may also help in treating phobia occurring due to depression. Depression is a mood disorder characterised by a persistently low mood and loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy earlier, leading to significant challenges in day-to-day functioning.
Tranylcypromine contains 'Tranylcypromine, ' which works by preventing the breakdown of the brain's levels of mood-uplifters serotonin and noradrenaline. Tranylcypromine helps restore the normal level of serotonin and noradrenaline, thereby helping treat depression.
Always take Tranylcypromine at the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Tranylcypromine may cause certain common side effects, such as dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, headache, and constipation. You are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of the components of Tranylcypromine. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding. Tranylcypromine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years. Avoid taking alcohol with Tranylcypromine. Tranylcypromine may cause dizziness and drowsiness; therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery unless you are alert.
Uses of Tranylcypromine
Medicinal Benefits
Tranylcypromine belongs to the group of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors used to treat moderate to severe depression. It may also help in treating phobia occurring due to depression. Tranylcypromine is used when no other antidepressant has worked. Tranylcypromine contains Tranylcypromine, which works by preventing the breakdown of feel-good hormones serotonin and noradrenaline, thereby increasing their concentrations in the brain. Thus, Tranylcypromine eases the major symptoms of depression, such as low mood, loss of interest in daily activities, fatigue, etc.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tranylcypromine
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Constipation
- Weakness
Drug Warnings
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of the components of Tranylcypromine. Do not take Tranylcypromine if you are taking any other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or have taken them in the past 14 days; if you have taken clomipramine or imipramine in the past 21days or are planning to take them within the next 21days; if you have porphyria, severe heart disease, disease of blood vessels of the brain, pheochromocytoma, overactive thyroid, liver damage or disorder affecting blood cells. Inform your doctor if you have a mild heart problem, high blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, or if you are elderly or are due to undergo any surgery. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding. Tranylcypromine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years. Avoid taking alcohol with Tranylcypromine. Tranylcypromine may cause dizziness and drowsiness; therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery unless you are alert.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Tranylcypromine may interact with sympathomimetic agents (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, adrenaline, noradrenaline), antidepressants (amitriptyline, imipramine, tryptophan, clomipramine, bupropion), medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease (levodopa), medicines used to control appetite (amphetamine, fenfluramine), heart medications (dopamine), pain killers (pethidine, nefopam), general anaesthetic (propofol), anti-anxiety (buspirone). Inform your doctor if you are taking other MAOI (isocarboxazid), pain killer (codeine), barbiturates (amylobarbitone), antidepressants (fluoxetine, sertraline, doxepin), anti-hypertensive (guanethidine, reserpine, methyldopa), anti-diabetic (insulin, metformin), antihistamine (cetirizine), Antabuse medication (disulfiram).
Drug-Food Interactions: Tranylcypromine may interact with alcohol (especially red wine), caffeine, chocolate, and tyramine-rich foods such as soy-based foods, kimchee salads, banana skins, broad bean pods, yeast extracts (e.g., Bovril or Marmite), matured cheeses (e.g., cheddar or processed cheese made from mature cheese), meat, poultry, or fish that is not fresh or has been pickled.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Tranylcypromine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of substance abuse (individual or within the family), hypersensitivity disorder, epilepsy, phaeochromocytoma, blood disorders, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, goitre, porphyria, liver disease, heart problems or any mental health disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeThere can be a reaction of alcohol with Tranylcypromine. Use of Tranylcypromine with alcohol is hence not recommended. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionTranylcypromine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely indicated. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionTranylcypromine passes in breast milk and should be used with caution during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
unsafeTranylcypromine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Exercise caution and do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Tranylcypromine in case of liver conditions. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Tranylcypromine in case of kidney problems. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
unsafeTranylcypromine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age. Please consult your physician if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Invest in a balanced diet.
- Try yoga and exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Physical activity can help counteract low moods.
- Cut back on caffeine, chocolate, and tyramine-rich foods such as matured cheeses, yeast, chicken liver, kimchee salad, etc., as they may interact with Tranylcypromine.
- Cut back on alcohol, as this can have an adverse effect on your sleep.
- Try meditation and deep breathing exercises to reduce overall stress.
- Invest in cognitive behaviour therapy and see a counsellor for a holistic approach to depression.
- Maintaining a gratitude journal and listing 5 things you are grateful for every day can have a profound impact on easing depression.
Special Advise
- If you have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming/killing yourself, consult your doctor immediately.
- If you are due to undergo any surgery, inform the doctor/surgeon that you are taking Tranylcypromine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Depression: Depression is a mood disorder characterised by a persistently low mood and loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy earlier, leading to significant challenges in day-to-day functioning. Various factors can contribute to depression. These can range from genetics, nutrient deficiencies, and lack of physical activity to emotional, psychological, environmental, and social factors.
FAQs
Tranylcypromine is used to treat moderate to severe depression. It may also help in treating phobia occurring due to depression.
Tranylcypromine works by inhibiting the breakdown of serotonin and noradrenalin and subsequently enhancing their concentrations in the brain.
Tranylcypromine contains Tranylcypromine which prevents the breakdown of a substance called tyramine found in certain foods. It can cause very high blood pressure if this substance is not broken down. Therefore, while taking Tranylcypromine, avoid consuming foods such as banana skins, broad bean pods, yeast extracts (e.g. Bovril or Marmite), matured cheeses (e.g. cheddar or processed cheese made from mature cheese), meat, poultry, or fish which is not fresh or has been pickled.
Do not stop taking Tranylcypromine on your own. Stopping Tranylcypromine suddenly may cause nausea, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, and sweating. Consult your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Tranylcypromine, your doctor may reduce the dose gradually.
In some cases, Tranylcypromine may cause low blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing. If you experience this, do not try to stand up suddenly or start walking, instead lie down and get up slowly only when you feel better. People taking Tranylcypromine are advised to regularly monitor their blood pressure levels to avoid such unpleasant events. Talk to your doctor if you regularly experience postural hypotension.
If you are suffering from bipolar disorder, you might be on medication for the same. Tranylcypromine should be used with caution along with other psychoactive drugs. Consult your doctor before use.
