Moclobemide (moe-KLOE-be-mide)

is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor used to relieve certain types of mental depression. It works by blocking the action of a chemical substance known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the nervous system.

Although this medicine is very effective for certain patients, it may also cause some unwanted reactions if not taken in the right way. It is very important to avoid certain beverages and medicines while you are being treated with an MAO inhibitor. Your doctor may provide a list as a reminder of which products you should avoid.

There may be a lag time in therapeutic response. Avoid ingesting excessive amounts of aged or over-ripe cheese and yeast extracts - take Manerix immediately after meals. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. Caution re dizziness (NB driving). Avoid concomitant use of sympathomimetic compounds.

Dry mouth, headache, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, tremor, agitation, restlessness, constipation, tachycardia, sleepiness, hypotension.

When you are taking moclobemide, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

Amphetamines or
Appetite suppressants (diet pills) or
Dextromethorphan or
Medicine for asthma or other breathing problems
Medicines for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies (including nose drops or sprays) or
Meperidine (e.g., Demerol) or
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (fluvoxamine [e.g., Luvox], fluoxetine [e.g., Prozac], paroxetine [e.g., Paxil], sertraline [e.g., Zoloft]) or
Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline [e.g., Elavil], amoxapine [e.g., Asendin], clomipramine [e.g., Anafranil], desipramine [e.g., Norpramin], doxepin [e.g., Sinequan], imipramine [e.g., Tofranil], nortriptyline [e.g., Aventyl], protriptyline [e.g., Vivactil], trimipramine [e.g., Surmontil]-Using these medicines together may increase the chance of serious side effects
Cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet)-May increase the effect of moclobemide; moclobemide doses may need to be lowered by approximately 50% in patients using cimetidine
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity (isocarboxazid [e.g., Marplan], phenelzine [e.g., Nardil], procarbazine [e.g., Matulane], selegiline [e.g., Eldepryl], tranylcypromine [e.g., Parnate])-Taking moclobemide while you are taking or within 2 weeks of taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors may cause very serious side effects, such as sudden high body temperature, extremely high blood pressure, and severe convulsions; at least 14 days should be allowed between stopping treatment with one medicine and starting treatment with the other

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Agitation; confusion; convulsions (seizures); decreased reflexes; extreme drowsiness; high blood pressure; loss of memory; nausea; slurred speech; vomiting.

Missed dose-If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Depression; most experience exists with major depression according to DSM-III
Social anxiety disorder, as part of an integrated treatment involving cognitive-behavioral therapy

Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose of moclobemide is very dangerous in young children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.

When taken with certain drinks or other medicines, moclobemide and other monoamine oxidase inhibitors can cause very dangerous reactions such as sudden high blood pressure (also called hypertensive crisis). To avoid such reactions, obey the following rules of caution :

Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
Do not take any other medicine unless approved or prescribed by your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine, such as that for colds (including nose drops or sprays), cough, hay fever, and appetite control; "keep awake" products; or products that make you sleepy.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur , especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position.
This medicine may cause blurred vision or make some people drowsy or less alert than they are normally.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any combination of the following symptoms: severe throbbing headache which starts at the back of the head and radiates forward, stiff neck, fast or racing heartbeat, pounding or irregular heartbeat, or slow heartbeat. These may be symptoms of a serious side effect that should have a doctor's attention.
Before having any kind of surgery, dental treatment, or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine or have used it within the past 2 weeks .