Phenelzine

Phenelzine

Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that is used as an antidepressant and anxiolytic in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders, and for some types of chronic pain.

Pharmacology

Phenelzine acts by irreversibly inhibiting the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that breaks down monoamines in the body. This results in an increase in the concentration of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Phenelzine is a non-selective and irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). This means it inhibits both isoforms of the enzyme, MAO-A and MAO-B, and does not dissociate from them after binding (i.e., the inhibition is irreversible).

Clinical use

Phenelzine is used primarily in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Patients with depressive symptomatology characterized as "atypical", "nonendogenous", and/or "neurotic" respond particularly well to phenelzine. The medication is also effective in patients with panic disorder and bipolar depression.

Side effects

Common side effects of phenelzine may include dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and constipation. More serious side effects may include difficulty urinating, swelling, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Interactions

Phenelzine has a number of drug interactions. Most importantly, combining phenelzine with certain other substances can lead to serious and potentially fatal reactions such as serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis.

See also

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
• Depression
• Anxiety disorder
• Chronic pain