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Non-selective irreversible MAOI

Tranylcypromine

Brand names: Parnate

Tranylcypromine is a non-selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used in the treatment of depression, including treatment-resistant illness.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It irreversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase, increasing central levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine; it also has a mild amphetamine-like stimulant effect.

Prescribing in practice

  • Patients must avoid tyramine-rich foods and interacting sympathomimetic or serotonergic drugs because of the risk of severe hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.
  • Appropriate washout periods are required when switching to or from other antidepressants.
  • Insomnia and a stimulant effect are common, and abrupt withdrawal should be avoided.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure and mental state, remaining alert for hypertensive crisis and serotonin toxicity.

Counselling the patient

  • Follow the food and medicine restrictions you are given, including avoiding mature cheese, cured meats and yeast extracts.
  • Always tell a pharmacist or doctor that you take a MAOI before taking any new medicine, including cough and cold remedies.
  • Seek urgent help for a severe throbbing headache, palpitations or chest pain.

Evidence & guidelines

The dietary and drug precautions for irreversible MAOIs such as tranylcypromine are well established and reinforced by MHRA and SPC guidance.

Reference: NICE NG222; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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