isocarboxazid

What is the most important information I should know about isocarboxazid?

Do not use isocarboxazid if you have used another MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using isocarboxazid. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

What is isocarboxazid?

Isocarboxazid is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.

Isocarboxazid is used to treat symptoms of depression that may include anxiety, panic, or phobias. Isocarboxazid is usually given after other antidepressants have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Isocarboxazid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking isocarboxazid?

• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• a history of stroke or blood clots;
• heart disease, high blood pressure; or
• a history of severe or frequent headaches.

Before taking isocarboxazid, tell your doctor about all medicines you have used within the past 5 weeks. The following drugs should not be used while you are taking isocarboxazid:

• buspirone (Buspar);
• carbamazepine;
• levodopa;
• methyldopa;
• tryptophan;
• certain antidepressants --amitriptylline, bupropion, citalopram, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, maprotiline, nortriptyline, paroxetine, protriptyline, sertraline, trimipramine (known by brand names such as Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Norpramin, Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Zoloft);
• narcotic pain medicine --morphine, tramadol, Demerol, OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, and others;
• ADHD medicine --Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and others;
• diet pills; or
• over-the-counter cough or cold medicine.

Do not use isocarboxazid if you have used another MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

To make sure isocarboxazid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of heart disease or high blood pressure;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder;
• schizophrenia;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
• if you have taken any other antidepressant within the past 5 weeks.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using isocarboxazid. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

How should I take isocarboxazid?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your blood pressure will need to be tested often. You may also need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using isocarboxazid. You may need to stop using the medicine for at least 10 days before surgery.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking isocarboxazid?

• cheese (especially strong or aged cheeses);
• sour cream and yogurt;
• beer (including non-alcoholic beer), sherry, Chianti wine, liqueurs;
• dry sausage (such as hard salami, pepperoni), anchovies, caviar, liver, pickled herring;
• canned figs, raisins, bananas;
• avocados;
• chocolate;
• soy sauce;
• sauerkraut;
• fava beans;
• yeast extracts;
• meat extracts; or
• meat prepared with tenderizer.

You should become very familiar with the list of foods and medicines you must avoid while you are taking isocarboxazid. Eating tyramine while you are taking isocarboxazid can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels which could cause life-threatening side effects.

What are the possible side effects of isocarboxazid?

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

• sudden and severe headache, rapid heartbeat, stiffness in your neck, nausea, vomiting, cold sweat, vision problems, sensitivity to light;
• chest pain, fast or slow heart rate;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
• tremors;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• constipation, nausea; or
• dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect isocarboxazid?

Many drugs can interact with isocarboxazid, and some drugs should not be used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with isocarboxazid. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about isocarboxazid.