Uses of Tranylcypromine

Tranylcypromine is used in adults for the treatment of moderate to severe depression and helps to come out of the fear that may be associated with it. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in day-to-day activities. Other symptoms of depression include feeling of worthlessness, sleep disturbances, tiredness, anxiety, mood swings, fear to face crowd, crying, loss of appetite, suicidal thoughts, etc. It is often used when other types of antidepressant medicines have not worked effectively.  

Therapeutic Category

Tranylcypromine: Antidepressants (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs))

How Tranylcypromine works

Tranylcypromine is among antidepressants that works by blocking an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for degradation of the chemicals in the brain such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the central nervous system of the body. It prevents the breakdown of serotonin and noradrenaline, which helps to regulate mood, anxiety and activity, thus ultimately aids in overcoming depression, sleep disturbances, and mood disorder. 

Common side effects of Tranylcypromine

• dry mouth
• sedation
• headache
• loss of sleep or difficulty to sleep
• constipation
• altered vision
• tiredness
• body shaking (tremor)
• overexcitement

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience thought of suicide (tendency to kill yourself intentionally)
• If you experience anxious, very agitated, or irritable behaviour
• If you experience low blood pressure and may experience loss of balance on standing up
• If you experience restlessness, loss of sleep, confusion, high blood pressure, more sweating, diarrhoea, headache, muscle rigidity, loss of muscle coordination, etc. (symptoms of serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition)
• If you experience episodes of fits
• If you experience sore throat or high fever or become very tired, yellowing of eyes and skin, bleeding from the nose (symptoms of liver problems)
• If you experience frequent headache, pain in the neck, feeling tired, chest pain, sweating, pale, enlarged pupils, difficulty to look into bright light
• If you experience muscle weakness or paralysis

Health Tips for Tranylcypromine

• Take tranylcypromine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage and timing are crucial for the medication's effectiveness and to prevent potential side effects
• MAOIs like tranylcypromine interact with certain foods and beverages that contain high levels of tyramine, a substance that can lead to dangerous spikes in blood pressure. These foods include aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, and certain beverages. Your doctor will provide you with a list of foods to avoid. It's important to strictly adhere to these dietary restrictions to prevent a potentially serious reaction known as hypertensive crisis
• Alcohol can interact negatively with tranylcypromine and worsen its side effects. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication
• It is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless considered clearly necessary