DEPRESSION

[Orchard1]

MAOI antidepressants

Hi I'm new to this forum. I'm wondering if anyone out there is still taking a medication called Phenylzine which is an MAOI antidepressant hardly prescribed any more. I am a 69 year old lady who has been taking this medication for years and now need to come off it. Would love to chat with anyone who has any experience of Phenylzine (Brand name Nardil). Hope theres someone out there.

Stephanie

[Hidden]

I know the drug Orchard, although never taken it. This drug dates back a long time and it is not as good as some modern medications

Withdrawing from medications like these follows a well worn pathway. We are all different so your Doctor will help you either reduce the dose or slowly come off them. You need to follow what is suggested at the Surgery.

I am about the same age and my GP has now decided to keep me on a reduced dose. As we get older, it is common to reduce drug intake as we get older, Your best way forward because your GP may feel it beneficial to reduce what you take.

Let us know how you get on

BOB

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi orchard1 and welcome to this caring community. Ideally, phenelzine should be withdrawn gradually over a period of four weeks. If another antidepressant is to be started, there should be a period of two weeks from discontinuation to initiation of the new antidepressant. Please see your doctor about advice and support regarding this. Are any other forum members able to help orchard1 please? Do let us know how you are getting on.

Thank you and best wishes

MAS Nurse

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello Stephanie,

Welcome to our supportive community. In answer to your question, you may find this information helpful regarding Nardil.

Electronic Medicines Compendium:

1) Nardil - pharma info: medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

2) Patient Information Leaflet (PIL): medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...

There are significant and potentially serious side effects that you need to be aware of when coming off this medicine (as with any antidepressants), so read through all the info. You will need your doctor and/or pharmacist to gradually weaned down your dose over a period of time, to allow the body to get used to lower doses and to mediate some the potential side effects.

Hope this helps. Do keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Do familiarise yourself with our Pinned Posts sections which has useful info e.g. free mental guides, international crisis support helplines etc.

Ok folks, please pop by and welcome this new member to our community.

Take care,

MAS Nurse and Moderator