Phenelzine (Phenelzine)
Overview of Phenelzine
Phenelzine is oral, MAOI (monoamino oxidase inhibitor)-type antidepressant. Phenelzine is a derivative of hydrazine and irreversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase. Phenelzine is used to treat major depression, particularly atypical depression, nonendogenous depression, anxiety, double depression (in which the patient can have a dysthymic mood and major depression), and psychotic depression (in which there are prominent psychotic features), as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and phobic disorder. It was approved by the FDA in 1959. Antidepressant activity arises from the increased availability of monoamines, resulting from the inhibition of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). Reduction of MAO activity causes an increased concentration of neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, at various storage sites in the CNS.
Indication of Phenelzine
Phenelzine is primarily indicated in conditions like Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive-compulsive disorders, Pain, Phobias.
Contraindication of Phenelzine
Phenelzine is contraindicated in conditions like Epilepsy,Phaeochromocytoma,Blood dyscrasias,Liver diseases,Cardiovascular disease,Cerebrovascular disease.
Side Effects of Phenelzine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Phenelzine, which give rise to further complications include Orthostatic hypotension, Insomnia, Jaundice, Peripheral neuropathy, Leucopenia, Psychosis, Hypomania, Agitation.,Phenelzine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Cerebral hemorrhage. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Phenelzine therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Phenelzine include Convulsions, Hyperthermia, nervousness, Confusion, Hyperpyrexia, Agitation, Hypertension, Extrapyramidal effects, Neuromuscular weakness, Involuntary movements.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Phenelzine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Weakness, Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Constipation, Nervousness, Dry mouth, Cardiac arrhythmias, Tremor, Convulsions, GI disturbance.
Precautions of Phenelzine
Take adequate precautions when treating epileptic patients. Phenelzine should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal (kidney) function, diabetic, and hyperthyroidism. Perform periodic liver function tests, discontinue use at the first sign of hepatic (liver) dysfunction or jaundice. It should be withdrawn gradually to decrease risk of withdrawl symptoms. Avoid alcohol. It is not approve for children as it increase risk of suicidal thinking.