MOCLOBEMIDE (Systemic)

Brand Names: Aurorix, Manerix

Some commonly used brand names are:

In Canada—

• Manerix

Another commonly used name is RO 11-1163.

* Not commercially available in the U.S.

Category

• Antidepressant

Description

Moclobemide

is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor used to relieve certain types of mental depression. It works by blocking the action of a chemical substance known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the nervous system.

Although this medicine is very effective for certain patients, it may also cause some unwanted reactions if not taken in the right way. It is very important to avoid certain beverages and medicines while you are being treated with an MAO inhibitor. Your doctor may provide a list as a reminder of which products you should avoid.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

• Oral
• Moclobemide
  • Tablets (Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For moclobemide, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to moclobemide or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Studies of moclobemide use in pregnant women have not been done. In some animal studies, weight gain was decreased in pregnant females or their offspring after high doses of moclobemide. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding—Small quantities of moclobemide pass into the breast milk. Moclobemide is not recommended during breast-feeding, because it may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies.

Children—Studies on moclobemide have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of moclobemide in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Older adults are especially sensitive to the effects of moclobemide. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. Dizziness or lightheadedness may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to these effects.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking moclobemide, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

• Amph etamines or
• Appetite suppressants (diet pills) or
• Dextromethorphan or
• Medicine for asthma or other breathing problems
• Medicines for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies (including nose drops or sprays) or
• Meperidine (e.g., Demerol) or
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (fluvoxamine [e.g., Luvox], fluoxetine [e.g., Prozac], paroxetine [e.g., Paxil], sertraline [e.g., Zoloft]) or
• Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline [e.g., Elavil], amoxapine [e.g., Asendin], clomipramine [e.g., Anafranil], desipramine [e.g., Norpramin], doxepin [e.g., Sinequan], imipramine [e.g., Tofranil], nortriptyline [e.g., Aventyl], protriptyline [e.g., Vivactil], trimipramine [e.g., Surmontil]—Using these medicines together may increase the chance of serious side effects

• Cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet)—May increase the effect of moclobemide; moclobemide doses may need to be lowered by approximately 50% in patients using cimetidine

• Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity (isocarboxazid [e.g., Marplan], phenelzine [e.g., Nardil], procarbazine [e.g., Matulane], selegiline [e.g., Eldepryl], tranylcypromine [e.g., Parnate])—Taking moclobemide while you are taking or within 2 weeks of taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors may cause very serious side effects, such as sudden high body temperature, extremely high blood pressure, and severe convulsions; at least 14 days should be allowed between stopping treatment with one medicine and starting treatment with the other

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of moclobemide. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Hypertension—Moclobemide may make the problem worse
• Liver disease—Effects of moclobemide may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body; your doctor may need to change your dose