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PMS-Moclobemide
Common Name
moclobemide
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Moclobemide belongs to the class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. It is used to treat depression. Depression is believed to be caused by imbalances in certain brain chemicals. This medication works by bringing these chemicals back into balance.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
150 mg
Each pale yellow, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablet, imprinted "P" logo "150" on one side and single scored on the other side, contains moclobemide 150 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose anhydrous, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, purified water, sodium starch glycolate, povidone PVK-30, synthetic yellow iron oxide, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and white cornstarch.
300 mg
Each white, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablet, imprinted "P" logo "300" on one side and single scored on the other side, contains moclobemide 300 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, purified water, sodium starch glycolate, povidone PVK-30, titanium dioxide, and white cornstarch.
How should I use this medication?
The usual starting dose of moclobemide for adults is 150 mg twice daily. If necessary, your doctor may gradually increase your dose after the first week to a maximum of 300 mg twice daily. The recommended dose of moclobemide for adults ranges from 150 mg to 300 mg, taken twice daily after meals.
This medication may take a few days to several weeks to achieve the best effect. Unlike other MAO inhibitors, no special dietary restrictions are necessary when taking moclobemide. It is very important, however, to always take this medication immediately after you have eaten.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first, even if you start to feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Moclobemide should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to moclobemide or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is in an acute state of confusion
- is taking thioridizine
- is taking tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine), other MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine), or meperidine
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- abdominal or stomach pain or discomfort
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dryness of mouth
- increased or decreased appetite
- nausea
- nightmares
- trembling or shaking of arms or legs
- trouble sleeping
- vomiting
Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- agitation
- anxiety
- blurred vision or other changes in vision
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness, especially when rising from a sitting or lying position
- fast or racing heartbeat
- fatigue
- mild to moderate headache, or pressure in the head
- nervousness
- pounding or irregular heartbeat
- restlessness
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
- signs of serotonin syndrome (too much serotonin in the body; e.g., fast or racing heartbeat, loss of coordination, agitation, decreased reflexes, rapid changes in blood pressure, fever, heavy sweating, confusion)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Diet restrictions: Treatment with moclobemide does not require special diet restrictions as with other MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine. As a safety measure, immediately report the sudden occurrence of any of the following:
- extremely fast or slow heart rate
- headache
- neck stiffness
- other unusual symptoms not previously experienced
- palpitations
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you.
Kidney disease: People with reduced kidney function or kidney disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver disease: People with reduced liver function or liver disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. For people with severe liver dysfunction, the daily dose of moclobemide should be reduced to one-third or one-half of the standard dose.
Other medications: Treatment with tricyclic antidepressants may be started after moclobemide has been stopped for at least 2 days. Do not start treatment with moclobemide until antidepressants have been stopped for 2 weeks in most cases (wait 5 weeks after taking fluoxetine).
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking this medication may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting this medication. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking this medication.
Thyroid disease: People with thyroid disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: The safety of using moclobemide during pregnancy has not been established. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking moclobemide, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between moclobemide and any of the following:
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If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material © 1996-2013 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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