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In this Article

• What is phenelzine (Nardil)?
• What are the possible side effects of phenelzine (Nardil)?
• What is the most important information I should know about phenelzine (Nardil)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking phenelzine (Nardil)?
• How should I take phenelzine (Nardil)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Nardil)?
• What happens if I overdose (Nardil)?
• What should I avoid while taking phenelzine (Nardil)?
• What other drugs will affect phenelzine (Nardil)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Nardil)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose (Nardil)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include feeling drowsy or dizzy, severe headache, neck pain or stiffness, hallucinations, shallow breathing, fast and uneven heart rate, cold sweats, feeling like you might pass out, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking phenelzine (Nardil)?

While you are taking phenelzine you must not eat foods that are high in tyramine, including:

• aged or smoked meats, fermented meats, dry sausage (including salami, pepperoni, Lebanon bologna), liver, pickled herring;
• any spoiled or improperly stored meats, fish, or dairy products;
• beer and wine (including non-alcoholic beer or wine);
• cheese (other than cottage cheese or cream cheese);
• sauerkraut;
• over-the-counter supplements or cough and cold medicines that contain dextromethorphan or tyramine;
• large amounts of chocolate or caffeine;
• yogurt;
• fava beans;
• meat extracts; or
• yeast extracts (including Brewer's yeast).

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

Phenelzine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What other drugs will affect phenelzine (Nardil)?

There are many other medicines that can cause serious or life-threatening medical problems if you take them together with phenelzine. Do not take phenelzine before telling your doctor about all other prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor, dentist, or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about phenelzine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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