Manerix

What is it?

An antidepressant which is a reversible MAO-A ( Monoamine Oxidase inhibitor-A), preventing breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters and so prolonging their availability in the central nervous system. Available as film-coated, scored, oblong tablets in 2 strengths, all marked with strength and ROCHE: yellow, containing 150mg of moclobemide and white, containing 300mg of moclobemide.

Medical Uses

Depression, social phobia.

Dosage

Adults, depression, 300mg each day at start after meals in divided doses, increasing if necessary to a daily maximum of 600mg in divided doses. Social phobia, 300mg each day for 3 days, then increasing to 600mg in 2 divided doses each day for 2 to 3 months. Condition should then be evaluated before continuing.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, toxicity of thyroid gland, serious liver disease, schizophrenia in which agitation and excitability are main features.

Avoid Use

Children, states of acute confusion, phaeochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal glands).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cimetidine, 5-HT reuptake inhibitors, morphine, phenylpropanolamine, pethidine, tetracyclic and tricyclic antidepressants, tyramine, ephedrine, trazodone, selegiline, pseudoephedrine, fentanyl.

Known Side Effects

Irritability, agitation, confusion, dry mouth, disturbed vision, restlessness, disturbed sleep, headaches, dizziness, fluid retention, skin effects, gastrointestinal upset, numbness/tingling/'pins and needles' in fingers and toes (paraesthesia).

Manufacturer

Roche.