Nardil is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that is typically used to treat depression.
Function of Nardil
Nardil fights depression and anxiety with depression by inhibiting the
enzyme monoamine oxidase. MAO breaks down neurotransmitters in the
brain, and inhibiting MAO allows some of the neurotransmitters
responsible for elevated mood to remain active in the brain for a
longer period of time.
Drug Interactions and Side Effects of Nardil
Blocking MAO activity in the body can be extremely dangerous if not
done under controlled conditions, which is why MAO inhibitors can have
severe interaction effects with many other drugs. It can be fatal to
take MAO inhibitors in combination with SSRIs or other antidepressant
medications, so it is very important to disclose any other
prescriptions of drug use to your doctor. Diabetics and those with
blood pressure problems should be careful about taking Nardil.
There
are also a wide variety of foods that cannot be taken in concert with
Nardil, including but not limited to beer (even non-alcoholic beer),
cheese, chocolate, caffeine, herring, wine and yogurt. Medications
other than antidepressants that should not be used in conjunction with
Nardil include amphetamines, asthma inhalers, many cold and cough
medicines and nasal decongestants. Complications may include dizziness,
water retention, drowsiness and constipation.
How to Take Nardil
Take Nardil as prescribed by your doctor. The starting dose is usually
one 15 milligram tablet three times a day. It might take up to four
weeks to take effect, so do not be discouraged or discontinue use if it
does not start to work right away. Because of the complicated
interactions with Nardil, you should always carry an ID card or
MedicAlert bracelet that can indicate health professionals that you
take Nardil so they are warned against giving you certain medications.
About MAOIs and Depression
Although there are a variety of medications that can be effective in
the treatment of depression, they should not be a stand alone
treatment. It is very important to treat the underlying causes of the
depression through some form of talk therapy or behavioral
modification. Those coming out of depression due to medical
intervention tend to be at very high risk for suicidal thoughts and
actions, so it is important that they are monitored closely by a health
care professional during their treatment.
