Parnate (Tranylcypromine) belongs to the class of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S.. It is used to treat certain types of Depression with moderate-to-severe symptoms. Parnate (Tranylcypromine) works by blocking the action of a chemical substance, monoamine oxidase (MAO), in the nervous system, helping to restore the balance of chemicals in the brain. Although improvements may be seen earlier, it may take up to 3 weeks before the full beneficial effects of the medication are seen.

Parnate (Tranylcypromine) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Parnate (Tranylcypromine) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Parnate (Tranylcypromine) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Parnate (Tranylcypromine) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Parnate (Tranylcypromine), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Parnate (Tranylcypromine) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Parnate (Tranylcypromine) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Parnate (Tranylcypromine) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended starting dose of Parnate (Tranylcypromine) is 10 mg taken twice daily: once in the morning and once in the afternoon. After 2 to 3 weeks, your doctor may increase the dose to 30 mg daily (20 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the afternoon) depending on how effective the medication has been and how you are affected by side effects. After your symptoms of depression have been reduced, your doctor may decrease the dose that you continue with.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Parnate (Tranylcypromine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Parnate (Tranylcypromine) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Parnate (Tranylcypromine). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Parnate (Tranylcypromine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Parnate (Tranylcypromine). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• Dry Mouth
• nausea
• trouble sleeping
• weakness

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• agitation
• anxiety
• blurred vision
• confusion
• difficulty urinating
• dizziness or lightheadedness (severe), especially when rising from a lying or sitting position
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there)
• muscle spasms or twitches
• nervousness
• new or worsened emotional or behavioural problems
• severe headaches or increased frequency of headaches
• sweating
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• unusual hair loss or thinning

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• convulsions (seizures)
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of a hypertensive crisis (e.g., enlarged pupils, fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain [severe], nausea and vomiting, stiff or sore neck, sweating [may be with fever or cool, clammy skin], and severe headache)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Parnate (Tranylcypromine).

Each biconvex, rose-red, film-coated tablet, with "PARNATE" and "SB" monogram printed in black on one side, contains Parnate (Tranylcypromine) 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, citric acid, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Red No. 7, edible black printing ink, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, propylene glycol 400, purified water, and titanium dioxide.