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 Nardil (Phenelzine).
Certain foods and beverages: Avoid the following foods while taking Nardil (Phenelzine) and for 2 weeks after stopping the medication: pickled herring, liver, dry sausage (including Genoa salami, hard salami, pepperoni, and Lebanon bologna), broad bean pods (fava beans), sauerkraut, cheese (cottage cheese and cream cheese are allowed), yogurt, beer and wine, alcohol-free and reduced-alcohol beer and wine products, yeast extract, meat extract, and excessive amounts of chocolate or caffeine.
People being treated with Nardil (Phenelzine) should also avoid any spoiled or improperly refrigerated, handled, or stored protein-rich foods such as meats, fish, and dairy products, including foods that may have undergone protein breakdown by aging, pickling, fermentation, or smoking to improve flavour.
Diabetes: There is conflicting information about the effect Nardil (Phenelzine) has on blood glucose levels. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Nardil (Phenelzine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want you to monitor your blood glucose more frequently until you know how this medication affects you.
Epilepsy: Nardil (Phenelzine) may increase the risk of seizures. If you have epilepsy, discuss with your doctor how Nardil (Phenelzine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nardil (Phenelzine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Glaucoma: Nardil (Phenelzine) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Nardil (Phenelzine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nardil (Phenelzine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking this medication.
Hypertensive crisis: The most serious reaction associated with taking Nardil (Phenelzine) is the occurrence of severe high blood pressure. These reactions include some or all of the following symptoms:
- dilated pupils and eye sensitivity to light
- extremely fast or slow heart rate associated with constricting chest pain
- headache at the back of the head which may travel to the front
- nausea or vomiting
- neck stiffness or soreness
- palpitation
- sweating (sometimes with fever and sometimes with cold, clammy skin)
If you have these symptoms, stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention.
Identification: People taking Nardil (Phenelzine) are encouraged to carry a card or other notification of the fact that they are taking Nardil (Phenelzine).
Other medications: Nardil (Phenelzine) interacts with a number of different medications. Therefore, be sure to tell any health care professional involved in your care of all the medications you are taking, including those that can be bought without a prescription. Always ask your pharmacist for help in choosing over-the-counter medications.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking Nardil (Phenelzine) 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 Nardil (Phenelzine). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Nardil (Phenelzine).
Surgery: If you are scheduled to undergo surgery, inform all of the health care professionals involved in your care that you are taking this medication. Ask your doctor when you should stop taking Nardil (Phenelzine) before the surgery - usually Nardil (Phenelzine) should be stopped at least 10 days before the operation.
Pregnancy: Nardil (Phenelzine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Nardil (Phenelzine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Nardil (Phenelzine), it may affect your baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Nardil (Phenelzine).
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Nardil (Phenelzine) have not been established for children less than 16 years old.
