Isocarboxazid is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. It acts by reducing the level of certain substances in the brain, while promoting improved mood.
What is Isocarboxazid?
Isocarboxazid is used in short-term treatment (up to 6 weeks) for depression, in case in which the other available therapies are not effective.
How should Isocarboxazid be taken?
Typically, Isocarboxazid is taken orally, in form of tablets.
Side effects associated with Isocarboxazid
Among the possible adverse effects are included:
- Strange skin sensations
- Anxiety
- Tarnished view
- Chills
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Fainting
- Forgetfulness
- Frequent or difficult urinating
- Headache
- Heavy feeling
- Hyperactivity
- Lack of energy
- Feeling faint or lightheaded when standing up
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Stomach discomfort
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Isocarboxazid triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria (Hives)
- Itchy skin
- Difficult breathing
- Chest tightness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Agitation
- Chest pains
- Cold and clammy skin
- Trouble sleeping
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Irritability or hostility
- Impotence
- Impulsive behavior or other unusual attitudes
- Nausea
- Stiff neck
- Panic attacks
- Feeling of shots to the chest
- Sensitivity to light
- Strong headaches
- Very high pressure
- Severe anxiety or nervousness
- Severe restlessness
- Suicidal instinct
- Sweating
- Tightness in the throat or chest
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Worsening of depression
- Jaundice
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Isocarboxazid
Isocarboxazid can compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially when taken together with alcohol or other drugs. It may also cause dangerous dizziness when standing up from lying or sitting position, especially in the morning. This effect may be exacerbated by heat, exercise, fever and alcohol.
It can take from 3 to 6 weeks for the body to react and have optimal effects of the treatment. Moreover, the treatment should not be interrupted without first checking with your doctor.
Isocarboxazid should not be taken in case of high blood pressure, heart or brain blood vessels problems, heart failure, liver problems, serious kidney problems, severe or frequent headaches, pheochromocytoma or schizophrenia.
Furthermore, it should not be taken if the patient: is planning an intervention surgery or in case of anorectic intake, is antihypertensive, in case of treatment with apraclonide, bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, ethanol, levodopa, meperidine, metotrimeprazina, methylphenidate, nefazodone, propoxyphene, SSRI, SNRI, sibutramine, sympathomimetics, tricyclic antidepressants or tetracyclic or another Mao inhibitor (even if the intake was stopped in the previous 14 days).
Additionally, during treatment you should avoid foods and beverages containing caffeine and all of the substances that may lead to a dangerous increase of the pressure when combined with this drug. Some of the mentioned substances are: cheeses, sour cream, red wine, beer, bologna, pepperoni, salami, sausage, anchovies, liver, canned figs, raisins, bananas, avocados, soy sauce, beans and yeast extract.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines or any food
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, especially apraclonidine, bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, ethanol, levodopa, meperidine, metotrimeprazina, phenothiazines, methylphenidate, nefazodone, propoxyphene, SSRI, SNRI, sibutramine, sympathomimetics, tricyclic antidepressants or tetracyclic, another Mao inhibitor, antihypertensive, anorectic, COMT inhibitors, insulin, meglitinides, antidiabetic agents, sulfonylureas, sumatriptan, tramadol, disulfiram, or linezolid medicines containing methylene blue
- You suffer (have suffered or have a family history) from asthma, psychological or psychiatric problems, bronchitis, arrhythmias, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid problems, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, porphyria, kidney disease, stroke or suicidal instinct
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
