Phenelzine

Phenelzine is an antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to patients who have not responded to other antidepressant medications. This medication inhibits certain brain chemicals in order to promote mental health and eliminate negative and depressed feelings.

Side Effects/Warnings

Patients who take this medication have an increased risk of suicide, especially if they are under the age of 24 or if they are completing their first few weeks of treatment. Suicidal thoughts and feelings can cause people to harm themselves. Patients should be monitored while on this medication for suicide risk.

This medication causes physical dependence. If the medication isn’t working or you don’t want to take it anymore for another reason, taper off it for several weeks instead of quitting all at once. Sudden withdrawal from the medication causes seizures, strokes, high blood pressure, mood swings and suicidal feelings.