Nardil

What is it?

An antidepressant and MAOI, available as film-coated, orange tablets containing 15mg of phenalzine sulphate.

Medical Uses

Depression.

Dosage

Adults, 1 tablet 3 times each day at first, reducing gradually for maintenance.

Special Care

Elderly, epilepsy, at risk of suicide, previous drug or alcohol abuse.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe heart disease, previous liver disease, liver abnormalities, blood changes, disease of cerebral circulation, overactive thyroid gland, phaeochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Sympathomimetic amines (e. g. amphetamine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolanine, methylphenidate, levodopa, fenflurarnine), SSRIs, other MAOIs, TCADs, derivatives of dibenzazepine, 5HT reuptake inhibitors, buspirone, carbamazepine, pethidine and similar analgesics. The effect of barbiturates and alcohol, hypoglycaemics and insulin and hypnotics may be enhanced and the side effects of anticholinergics may be enhanced or increased; antihypertensives such as reserpine, guanethidine and methyldopa must be used cautiously. Avoid foods which are not fresh and Also, cheese, meat extracts (e. g. Oxo or Bovril), yeast extracts (e. g. Marmite), alcohol, broad beans, bananas, low alcohol beverages, pickled foods, textured, flavoured vegetable proteins. Do not use any of these within 14 days of stopping the drug.

Known Side Effects

Severe hypertension with certain foods (see above), dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure on rising up, constipation, dry mouth, gastro-intestinal upsets, difficulty in urinating, blurred vision, puffy ankles due to fluid retention. Skin rashes, blood disorders, weight gain, jaundice, changes in libido. Uncommonly, confused states or mania.