Parnate (Tranylcypromine): A guide to Parnate tablet drug

Generic Name: Tranylcypromine

Uses of Parnate:

Parnate, a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor and an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression. MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] are used occasionally to treat eating disorders, cocaine addiction, headaches, and panic attacks. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How to Take Parnate:

Parnate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Parnate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take Parnate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Parnate without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Parnate Side Effects:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

Drowsiness or dizziness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Nausea
Blurred vision
Headache
Weight gain

Warnings and precautions for Parnate:

Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Parnate, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially amphetamines or diet pills; other antidepressants; barbiturates; beta- blocking drugs [acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), betaxolol (Kerlone), penbutolol (Levatol), carteolol (Cartrol), bisoprolol (Zebeta), pindolol (Visken), metoprolol (Lopressor), timolol (Blocadren), sotalol (Betapace), nadolol (Corgard), or propranolol (Inderal)]; diabetic drugs [insulin, acetohexamide (Dymelor), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolazamide (Tolinase), tolbutamide (Orinase), glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase), or glipizide (Glucotrol)]; fluoxetine (Prozac); guanethidine (Ismelin); inhaled asthma medications; levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); medication for high blood pressure including diuretics ('water pills'), cold, sinus, or hay fever; meperidine (Demerol); methyldopa (Aldomet); methylphenidate (Ritalin); nasal decongestants; pain relievers; paroxetine (Paxil); reserpine; sedatives; sertraline (Zoloft); and vitamins.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Parnate, call your doctor immediately.
This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcoholic beverages can increase the side effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

What to do if you take Overdose of Parnate?

Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

What to do if you take Missed Dose of Parnate?

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How to Store Parnate:

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.