WARNING

Isocarboxazid is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). While it can be effective in treating depression, it carries certain risks and considerations that need to be taken into account. Here are some potential risks associated with taking Isocarboxazid:

• Interaction with certain foods and beverages: Isocarboxazid can interact with foods and beverages that contain high levels of tyramine, a substance found in aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products, and certain beverages like wine and beer. Consuming these foods and drinks while taking Isocarboxazid can lead to a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure, causing a hypertensive crisis.
• Interaction with other medications: Isocarboxazid can interact with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and prescription medications. These interactions can lead to potentially serious side effects, such as serotonin syndrome, which is characterized by symptoms like agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and high body temperature.
• Hypertensive crisis: In addition to interactions with certain foods, Isocarboxazid can interact with medications, such as decongestants and stimulants, leading to a hypertensive crisis. This is a severe increase in blood pressure that can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
• Potential for serotonin syndrome: Isocarboxazid can increase serotonin levels in the brain, and when combined with other medications that also increase serotonin, it can result in serotonin syndrome. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, high fever, tremors, and muscle stiffness.
• Other side effects: Isocarboxazid may cause additional side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, sexual dysfunction, and changes in blood pressure.

It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or dietary restrictions you have before starting Isocarboxazid. They can monitor your response to the medication and provide appropriate guidance to minimize the risks associated with its use.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Isocarboxazid is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It is primarily prescribed to treat depression. MAOIs work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are thought to regulate mood.

Isocarboxazid is typically prescribed when other antidepressant medications have been ineffective or when a person cannot tolerate other types of antidepressants. It can be particularly useful for individuals who experience atypical depression symptoms, such as increased appetite and excessive sleepiness.

How should this medicine be used?

When using Isocarboxazid, it’s crucial to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Typically, the medication is taken orally, usually two to four times a day with meals. The dosage and frequency may vary depending on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. It’s important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not to exceed the recommended dose.

It’s worth noting that Isocarboxazid is an MAOI, and it interacts with certain foods and other medications. The consumption of foods high in tyramine (e.g., aged cheeses, cured meats, sauerkraut) can lead to a potentially dangerous increase in blood pressure known as a hypertensive crisis. Therefore, it’s essential to adhere to a strict dietary regimen and avoid foods that contain tyramine while taking Isocarboxazid.

Additionally, Isocarboxazid can interact with other medications, including certain antidepressants, stimulants, cold or allergy medications, and even over-the-counter supplements. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Isocarboxazid.

As always, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate and personalized information regarding your specific situation and any concerns you may have about Isocarboxazid or its usage.

Other uses for this medicine

Isocarboxazid is primarily used as an antidepressant medication belonging to the class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs are typically prescribed for the treatment of depression when other antidepressant medications have not been effective. However, it is important to note that Isocarboxazid is an older medication and there may be newer antidepressants available with fewer side effects and drug interactions.

Some of the off-label uses that have been explored include:

• Panic disorder: Isocarboxazid has shown effectiveness in the treatment of panic disorder, a condition characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.
• Social anxiety disorder: Isocarboxazid has been studied for its potential use in social anxiety disorder, which involves intense fear and avoidance of social situations.

What special precautions should I follow?

When taking Isocarboxazid, it is crucial to follow certain precautions due to its mechanism of action and potential interactions with other medications and foods. Here are some special precautions to consider:

• Avoid certain foods and beverages: Isocarboxazid interacts with a substance called tyramine, which is found in certain foods and beverages. Consuming tyramine-rich foods while taking Isocarboxazid can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure, potentially causing a hypertensive crisis. Foods to avoid include aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, soy products, certain beers and wines, and some fruits and vegetables. It is essential to follow a low-tyramine diet while on Isocarboxazid and consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for specific dietary guidance.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications: Isocarboxazid can interact with various medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and prescription medications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Safety during surgery: Isocarboxazid can interact with anesthesia and cause adverse effects during surgical procedures. It is necessary to inform your healthcare provider, including surgeons and anesthesiologists, about your use of Isocarboxazid before any surgery or medical procedure.
• Hypertensive crisis: Isocarboxazid can cause a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure, known as a hypertensive crisis. Symptoms may include severe headache, chest pain, palpitations, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
• Follow dosage instructions: It is crucial to take Isocarboxazid exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or stop taking the medication abruptly without consulting your healthcare professional.

Remember, these precautions are not exhaustive, and it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for specific guidelines and recommendations regarding the use of Isocarboxazid. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information and address any concerns or questions you may have.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

While taking isocarboxazid, consuming tyramine-rich meals puts you at risk for a severe reaction. Tyramine can be found in a variety of foods, such as aged, smoked, inadequately stored, or damaged meat, poultry, fish, or cheese as well as some fruits, vegetables, beans, alcoholic beverages, and fermented yeast products. You can eat tiny amounts of certain foods, and your doctor or nutritionist will advise you on which foods you should absolutely avoid. While using isocarboxazid, you should also stay away from meals and beverages that contain caffeine. Be sure to adhere to these recommendations. If you have any concerns about what you can eat and drink while receiving treatment, consult your doctor or a dietitian.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of isocarboxazid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosing instructions provided by your healthcare professional to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your system.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Isocarboxazid is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used primarily as an antidepressant medication. Like other MAOIs, it can cause a range of side effects. It’s important to note that MAOIs have fallen out of favor as first-line treatments for depression due to the risk of potentially serious interactions with certain foods and medications.

The common side effects of isocarboxazid can include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Increased appetite or weight gain
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Sexual dysfunction (such as decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasm)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Tremors or restlessness
• Sweating or changes in body temperature regulation
• Orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing up)

Additionally, MAOIs can interact with certain foods and beverages that contain high levels of tyramine, leading to a potentially dangerous rise in blood pressure. These foods include aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, certain fruits (e.g., bananas, avocados), alcoholic beverages (especially beer and red wine), and certain soy products. It is crucial to follow dietary restrictions and avoid these foods while taking isocarboxazid.

Furthermore, isocarboxazid can interact with several other medications, including other antidepressants, sympathomimetic drugs, certain opioids, and some over-the-counter cold and cough medications. These interactions can cause a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome, which is characterized by symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, tremors, and high body temperature.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage:

• Keep isocarboxazid in its original container and tightly closed.
• Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Avoid storing it in the bathroom or any other place where it may be exposed to excessive heat or humidity.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Disposal:

• Do not flush isocarboxazid down the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or the medication’s packaging.
• If you are unsure about the proper disposal method, consult with a pharmacist or local waste disposal authority for guidance.

In case of emergency/overdose

• If you suspect an overdose or have taken more than the prescribed dose of isocarboxazid, immediately call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Be sure to inform medical professionals about the medication you have taken and the dosage.
• If possible, take the medication bottle or packaging with you to provide accurate information.
• Overdosing on isocarboxazid can lead to serious symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, severe headache, chest pain, and seizures. Prompt medical attention is crucial in such cases.

What other information should I know?

• Isocarboxazid should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not alter the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
• MAOIs like isocarboxazid can interact with certain foods and beverages, including aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products, alcoholic beverages, and foods high in tyramine. These interactions can lead to a potentially dangerous increase in blood pressure. It is important to follow dietary restrictions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking, as isocarboxazid can interact with other drugs, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies.
• Before starting isocarboxazid, inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, epilepsy, or a history of seizures.
• Attend regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and discuss any concerns or side effects you may be experiencing.

Remember, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for specific instructions and guidance on the use, storage, and disposal of isocarboxazid, as they can provide personalized information based on your individual circumstances.