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Phenelzine

Brand names: Nardil

Phenelzine is an MAOI antidepressant used when other treatments haven't worked. It needs strict food and medicine rules.

Brand namesNardil
Type of medicineMAOI antidepressant
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

Eating high-tyramine foods can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure.

What it's used for

  • Depression that hasn't responded to other medicines

How to take it

  • Avoid high-tyramine foods: aged cheeses, cured or fermented meats, tap beer, soy sauce, sauerkraut, and spoiled foods.
  • Carry a list of medicines to avoid.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Dizziness when standing
  • Sleepiness
  • Weight gain
  • Sexual side effects
Call 911Sudden severe headache, stiff neck, chest pain, or a pounding heartbeat (hypertensive crisis)
Call 911Agitation, fever, sweating, muscle twitching or stiffness, fast heartbeat, and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.

Warnings

  • Children, teens, and young adults can have more suicidal thoughts when starting. Watch closely in the first weeks.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Never combine with other antidepressants, meperidine, tramadol, dextromethorphan, decongestants, stimulants, or St. John's wort. Wait 2 weeks after stopping before starting others.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.