tranylcypromine

Tranylcypromine (Parnate) can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or when the dose changes. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you notice any unusual changes in mood or behavior while taking this medication.

MAOI medications like tranylcypromine (Parnate) can cause your blood pressure to become too high, which in some cases can be fatal. Certain foods like processed meat (salami, pepperoni), cheese, yogurt, or any food or drink that has been aged, pickled, or fermented can raise the risk of high blood pressure and should be avoided. There are also medications, like over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications, weight loss supplements, and allergy medications that should also be avoided while taking tranylcypromine (Parnate). Always talk to a provider or pharmacist before starting any new medications to make sure it doesn't interact with your current medications. Seek medical help if you ever have signs of high blood pressure, such as a very bad headache, a pounding heart, neck stiffness or soreness, or nausea and vomiting.

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, condition that happens when there's too much serotonin active in the brain. This is more likely to happen if you're also taking other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as other antidepressants, lithium (Lithobid), triptans, and St. John's Wort. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heartbeat, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Go to the emergency room right away if you think you are having these symptoms.

Sometimes depression can be the first sign of bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, tranylcypromine (Parnate) doesn't treat bipolar and can cause a manic phase. Your provider will screen you for bipolar disorder before starting tranylcypromine (Parnate). Let them know your full medical history and if anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder.

Tranylcypromine (Parnate) can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Dizziness and falls can happen due to a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, such as going from sitting to standing. If you're sensitive to low blood pressure, change positions slowly until your body is used to the medication. If your blood pressure suddenly drops, you can try lying down to see if that helps. This problem typically goes away after you stop tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Don't stop taking medications for depression without first talking to your provider. Stopping tranylcypromine (Parnate) suddenly can lead to unwanted effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, trouble sleeping, feeling irritable, diarrhea, anxiety, tiredness, abnormal dreams, and more sweating. If you and your provider agree to stop this medication, they can develop a plan to lower the dose slowly, which can help avoid these symptoms.

Sometimes, MAOIs like tranylcypromine (Parnate) can worsen low blood sugar in people with diabetes. Make sure you monitor your blood sugar closely, especially if you're taking blood sugar lowering medications like insulin. If your sugars continue to stay low, talk to the provider who prescribed your diabetes medications. They might want to adjust the doses. Get medical help right away if you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, such as hunger, anxiety, trembling, shaking, and sweating.