What you need to know about Tranylcypromine tablets

Have you been taking various medications for your depression and still not getting any relief? Perhaps your doctor has just told you about a new medication. This is when this medication called Tranylcypromine is often prescribed. This is a special medication that requires a lot of care. So let's talk about it clearly and simply.

What kind of medicine is Tranylcypromine?

Simply put, this is a medication that is used to treat depression. It is especially recommended for people who have not responded to other antidepressant medications.

This medicine belongs to a class of medicines called MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) . Although the name may sound a bit complicated, what it does is very simple. There are several chemicals in our brain that control our mood and make us feel happy and excited. The main ones are Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Serotonin. What this MAOI medicine does is to prevent the breakdown of these chemicals and increase their levels in the brain. Then your depression and anxiety gradually decrease.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

This is very important. Before you start taking this medicine, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.

• If you have glaucoma
• If you have frequent headaches or migraines
• If you have a history of heart disease or an abnormal heart rhythm
• If you have high blood pressure
• If you have had a previous stroke
• If you are a frequent drinker
• If you have kidney or liver disease
• If you have other mental illnesses (e.g. schizophrenia-depressive illness )
• If you have a condition called pheochromocytoma
• If you have recently had a head injury
• If you have seizures
• If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts in the past (this is very important)
• If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine or other medicines, foods, or dyes.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• If you are a breastfeeding mother

How should I use the medicine?

This medicine should be taken by mouth with a glass of water. Be very careful to take the correct dose, at the correct time, as prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed amount.

You will receive a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) when you are given this medicine. Always read it carefully.

What if I overdose?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . At the same time, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Things that should not be used with this medicine (Interactions)

This is the most important and dangerous part about this medication. Tranylcypromine is a medication that can react very badly with other medications and certain foods. You should avoid taking this medication with the following:

This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbs, and supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things you should be careful about when taking medication

Special attention to food and drink - Tyramine danger!

This is the biggest challenge with this medication. It is best not to eat foods containing the amino acid tyramine while taking tranylcypromine. If you do, your blood pressure can suddenly and severely increase. This is called a hypertensive crisis. This can cause severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and even life-threatening conditions like stroke.

Main foods and drinks to avoid:

• Aged cheeses
• Cured meats - sausages, salami, pepperoni, ham
• Smoked or pickled meat and fish
• Red wine
• Beer and Ale
• Soy sauce
• Miso soup
• Very ripe fruit (bananas, avocados, figs)
• Chocolate and caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and cola (limit these)

Ask your doctor for a complete list. You should avoid these foods for a few weeks after stopping the medication. Ask your doctor about that period as well.

Pay attention to your mental state.

Other important points

• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until your body adjusts to the medicine. Do these activities slowly, as you may feel dizzy when you stand up suddenly or get up from a sitting position.
• Dry mouth: You may experience a dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water may help.
• Surgery: If you are going to have any surgery, be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking this medication. This medication usually needs to be stopped about 10 days before surgery.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.