Parnate vs Nardil

Parnate vs Nardil – detailed comparison:

Parnate

It is the brand name of a drug called tranylcypromine, which belongs to a group of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Mechanism of Action

It works by increasing the levels of certain natural chemicals in the brain, which affect the mood and help maintain mental balance.

Uses

This prescription medication is used to treat depression.

Note – due to its potentially serious side effects, it is commonly used only after other antidepressants haven’t worked.

Dosage

The usual recommended dose is 30 mg a day.

Note – it may take 4 weeks or longer before the symptoms improve.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include:

• decreased urination;
• feeling restless or drowsy;
• dry mouth;
• stomach pain;
• difficulty having an orgasm;
• loss of appetite;
• impotence;
• ringing in your ears;
• diarrhea or constipation;
• blurred vision;
• nausea;
• numbness or tingly feeling.

Rare side effects may include:

• unusual weakness;
• sensitivity to light;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• vision problems;
• pale skin;
• frequent headaches;
• stiffness in your neck;
• tight feeling in your chest or throat;
• feeling light-headed;
• pounding heartbeats;
• lack of coordination;
• muscle twitches you cannot control;
• swelling of your ankles or feet;
• confusion;
• dizziness.

Contraindications

Before taking this monoamine oxidase inhibitor, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• a seizure disorder such as epilepsy;
• diabetes;
• a history of headaches;
• a history of stroke;
• circulation problems;
• high blood pressure;
• heart disease.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this monoamine oxidase inhibitor since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:

• doxepin (Adapin);
• an antidepressant;
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol);
• blood pressure medicines, like – methyldopa (Aldomet), guanethidine (Ismelin), and reserpine;
• maprotiline (Ludiomil);
• over-the-counter cough and cold or allergy medicines;
• procarbazine (Matulane);
• ADHD medications;
• bupropion (Wellbutrin);
• diet pills;
• levodopa (Larodopa, Parcopa);
• cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril);
• meperidine (Demerol);
• buspirone (BuSpar);
• venlafaxine (Effexor).

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

There are no well-done studies to determine whether this monoamine oxidase inhibitor is safe to use during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider that you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before using this monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

It can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this monoamine oxidase inhibitor without telling your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Nardil

It is the brand name of a drug called phenelzine, which belongs to a group of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Mechanism of Action

It works by increasing the levels of certain natural chemicals in the brain, which affect the mood and help maintain mental balance.

Uses

This prescription medication is used to treat depression.

Note – due to its potentially serious side effects, it is commonly used only after other antidepressants haven’t worked.

Dosage

The usual recommended initial dose is 15 mg three times per day. The dose should be increased to at least 60 mg a day.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include:

• upset stomach;
• dizziness;
• decreased urination;
• feeling weak or drowsy;
• difficulty having an orgasm;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• impotence;
• dry mouth;
• constipation.

Rare side effects may include:

• fainting;
• sensitivity to light;
• feeling light-headed;
• vision problems;
• unusual thoughts or behavior;
• vomiting;
• nausea;
• agitation;
• stiffness in your neck;
• fast heart rate;
• a severe headache;
• rapid weight gain.

Contraindications

Before taking this medication, tell your healthcare provider:

• if you need any type of surgery with anesthesia;
• if you have a history of liver problems;
• if you have congestive heart failure;
• if you have pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:

• meperidine (Demerol);
• over-the-counter cough and cold or allergy medicines;
• procarbazine (Matulane);
• furazolidone (Furoxone);
• asthma medications;
• buspirone (BuSpar);
• methyldopa (Aldomet);
• bupropion (Wellbutrin);
• levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet);
• antidepressants, like – citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or venlafaxine (Effexor);
• medicines for seizures, depression, or anxiety;
• guanethidine (Ismelin);
• dexfenfluramine (Redux).

READ MORE: Adzenys vs Adderall

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

There are no well-done studies to determine whether this medication is safe to use during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider that you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before using this medication.

It is not known exactly whether this medication passes into human breast milk or if it could negatively affect a breastfed infant. Tell your healthcare provider that you are breastfeeding a baby before using this medication.

READ MORE: Silenor vs Ambien

Bottom Line – Parnate vs Nardil

Parnate (active ingredient – tranylcypromine) is a medication that is used to treat major depressive episodes (MDE) in adults. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.

Nardil (active ingredient – phenelzine) is a medication that is used to treat symptoms of depression which may include feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, or worry about physical health.

In conclusion, both are in a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, but they have different active ingredients.

According to a 2004 study, no difference in efficacy was observed between both medications in a sample of people with severe antidepressant-refractory depression.

Regarding their price, the average retail price for 180 tablets of Parnate 15mg is $220, while the average retail price for 180 tablets of Nardil 10mg is $480.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/677352
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X17302523
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/tranylcypromine