Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Isocarboxazid Oral Tablet (ISOCARBOXAZID - ORAL)

For depression.

Brand Name(s): Marplan

Generic Name: Isocarboxazid

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

It is very important to avoid some foods while on this medicine. Please ask your doctor or nurse to provide you with a list of foods you should avoid.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Foods containing tyramine can interact with this medicine to cause serious side effects, including a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or dietitian about foods to avoid.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • constipation
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • weakness

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • chest pain
  • changes in memory, mood, or thinking
  • pain in the eye
  • fainting
  • fever
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
  • high blood pressure
  • sensitivity to light
  • muscle pain
  • tight or rigid muscles
  • sore or stiff neck
  • restlessness
  • suicidal thoughts
  • sweating
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.