Tranylcypromine Health Article

Definition

Tranylcypromine is classified as a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. It is used to treat serious depression. In the United States, tranylcypromine is sold under the brand name Parnate. As of 2002, there were no generic forms of tranylcypromine available in the United States.

Purpose

Tranylcypromine is used primarily to treat depression that does not respond to other types of drug therapy. It is also used occasionally to treat panic disorder, agoraphobia, and bulimia nervosa.

Description

Trancyclopromine is a member of a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Monoamine oxidase, or MAO, is an enzyme found throughout the body. In the brain, MAO breaks down norepinephrine and serotonin, two naturally occurring chemicals that are important for maintaining mental well-being preventing depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as tranylcypromine, reduce the activity of MAO. Less norepinephrine and serotonin are broken down, so their levels rise. This helps to lift depression.

Tranylcypromine is effective for treating depression, especially complicated types of depression that have not responded to more traditional antidepressants. However, tranylcypromine also affects the MAO enzyme in many other areas of the body. This accounts for the large number of serious side effects and drug interactions it causes.

Recommended dosage

The typical starting dosage of tranylcypromine in adults is 10 mg taken twice per day. This dosage is sometimes increased to 30 mg per day after a two-week period. The maximum recommended amount is 60 mg per day. The elderly (over age 60) are usually started on a dose of 2.5 mg per day. After this, their doctor will make an individualized decision about increasing the dosage. Older adults typically take smaller doses and do not take more than 45 mg per day. A doctor must make an individual determination of whether to give tranylcypromine to youths under the age of 18 years, because guidelines for this age group have not been developed.

The benefits of this drug may not become apparent for several weeks. Patients should be aware of this and continue taking the drug as directed, even if they do not see an immediate improvement.