Generic Name: Tranylcypromine sulfate

  • What is Parnate?

    Parnate is prescribed for the treatment of major depression. This medication is usually given after other antidepressants have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.
  • What is the most important information I should know about Parnate?

    Parnate is a potent antidepressant in the class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It works by increasing the concentration of chemicals in your brain such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. It can produce serious side effects. It is typically prescribed only if other antidepressants fail, and then only for adults who are under close medical supervision. It can interact with a long list of drugs and foods to produce life-threatening side effects (see "What are possible food and drug interactions associated with this medication?").


  • Who should not take Parnate?

    Do not take Parnate if you have any of the following medical conditions: heart, kidney, or liver disease; high blood pressure; a history of headaches; a type of tumor known as pheochromocytoma; or if you will be undergoing elective surgery requiring general anesthesia.
  • What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Parnate?

    Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Parnate. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history (see "Who should not take this medication?" above).
  • What is the usual dosage?


    Adults: The usual dosage is 30 milligrams (mg) per day, divided into smaller doses. If ineffective, the dosage may be slowly increased under your doctor's supervision to a maximum of 60 mg per day.

  • How should I take Parnate?

    Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor will adjust the dosage of Parnate according to your individual needs and response. It will usually take 48 hours to 3 weeks for you to see the benefits of Parnate.
  • What should I avoid while taking Parnate?

    While you are taking Parnate, avoid foods that are high in tyramine (see "What are possible food and drug interactions associated with this medication?").

    Avoid alcohol and large amounts of caffeine while you are taking Parnate.

    Avoid driving, operating machinery, or other dangerous tasks until you know how Parnate will affect you. Parnate may cause you to be very drowsy.

  • What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Parnate?

    Never take Parnate with the following drugs; the combination can trigger seizures or a dangerous spike in blood pressure: dibenzapine-related and other drugs classified as tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, carbamazepine, clomipramine, cyclobenzaprine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, maprotiline, nortriptyline, perphenazine and amitriptyline, protriptyline, trimipramine maleate; other MAOIs such as furazolidone, isocarboxazid, pargyline, procarbazine, and phenelzine.

    When switching from one of these drugs to Parnate, or vice versa, allow an interval of at least 1 week between medications.

    If Parnate is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Parnate with the following: alcohol, amphetamines, anesthetics, antidepressants classified as SSRIs, antihistamines, blood pressure medication, blood-vessel constricting medicines for colds, hay fever and weight loss, bupropion, buspirone, cocaine, cough remedies containing dextromethorphan, dexfenfluramine, disulfiram, diuretics (water pills), dopamine, guanethidine, meperidine and other narcotic painkillers, methyldopa, Parkinson's disease medications, reserpine, sedatives (such as triazolam, pentobarbital, and secobarbital), and tryptophan.

    While taking Parnate, you should also avoid foods that contain a high amount of a substance called tyramine, including: anchovies, avocados, bananas, beer (including nonalcoholic beer), canned figs, caviar, cheese (especially strong and aged varieties), chianti wine, chocolate, dried fruits (including raisins, prunes), liqueurs, liver, meat extracts or meat prepared with tenderizers, overripe fruit, pickled herring, pods of broad beans like fava beans, raspberries, sauerkraut, sherry, sour cream, soy sauce, yeast extracts, and yogurt.

  • What are the possible side effects of Parnate?


    Side effects may include: abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, blood disorders, blurred vision, chills, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, impotence, insomnia, muscle spasm, nausea, numbness, overstimulation, rapid or irregular heartbeat, restlessness, ringing in the ears, tremors, urinary retention, water retention, weakness, weight loss

  • Can I receive Parnate if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

    If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Parnate should be used during pregnancy only if its benefits outweigh potential risks.


  • What should I do if I miss a dose of Parnate?

  • How should I store Parnate?

    Store at room temperature.