Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Moclobemide.
Diet restrictions: Treatment with moclobemide does not require special diet restrictions as with other MAO inhibitors such as Phenelzine. However, you should avoid consuming large amounts of certain foods, such as over 70 g of Marmite or 200 g of strong C.E.S.. As a safety measure, immediately report the sudden occurrence of any of the following:
- extremely fast or slow heart rate
- headache
- neck stiffness
- other unusual symptoms not previously experienced
- palpitations
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Moclobemide may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Moclobemide affects you.
Glaucoma: Moclobemide may cause symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes), such as blurred vision or eye pain or pressure, to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Moclobemide may affect your medical condition, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney Disease: If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Moclobemide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Moclobemide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Moclobemide to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Moclobemide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Moclobemide, and whether any special monitoring is needed. For people with severe liver dysfunction, the daily dose of moclobemide should be reduced to one-third or one-half of the standard dose.
Other medications: Treatment with tricyclic antidepressants may be started after moclobemide has been stopped for at least 2 days. Do not start treatment with moclobemide until antidepressants have been stopped for 2 weeks in most cases (wait 5 weeks after taking fluoxetine).
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking Moclobemide may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Moclobemide. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Moclobemide, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Moclobemide.
Thyroid disease: With certain types of thyroid disease, Moclobemide can cause a severe increase in blood pressure. If you have thyroid disease, discuss with your doctor how Moclobemide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Moclobemide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: The safety of using moclobemide during pregnancy has not been established. Moclobemide should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Moclobemide, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Moclobemide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking moclobemide, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Moclobemide have not been established for children.
