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Nardil / Phenelzine Side Effects

Bipolar Medications Library

By , About.com Guide

Updated July 17, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Nardil - generic Phenelzine - is an antidepressant of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI type.

Common Side Effects:

Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Blurred vision; decreased amount of urine; decreased sexual ability; dizziness or lightheadedness (mild), especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position; drowsiness; headache (mild); increased appetite (especially for sweets) or weight gain; increased sweating; muscle twitching during sleep; restlessness; shakiness or trembling; tiredness and weakness; trouble in sleeping

Less Common or Rare Side Effects:

Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Chills; constipation; decreased appetite; dryness of mouth

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Symptoms of unusually high blood pressure (hypertensive crisis):

Chest pain (severe); enlarged pupils; fast or slow heartbeat; headache (severe); increased sensitivity of eyes to light; increased sweating (possibly with fever or cold, clammy skin); nausea and vomiting; stiff or sore neck

Always Notify Doctor:

More Common: Dizziness or lightheadedness (severe), especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position

Less Common: Diarrhea; fast or pounding heartbeat; swelling of feet or lower legs; unusual excitement or nervousness

Rare: Dark urine; fever; skin rash; slurred speech; sore throat; staggering walk; yellow eyes or skin

Overdose Effects - Notify Doctor:

Anxiety (severe); confusion; convulsions (seizures); cool, clammy skin; dizziness (severe); drowsiness (severe); fast and irregular pulse; fever; hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); headache (severe); high or low blood pressure; muscle stiffness; sweating; troubled breathing; trouble in sleeping (severe); unusual irritability

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

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