Phenelzine Side Effects

Some side effects of phenelzine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to phenelzine: oral tablet

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking phenelzine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using phenelzine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden and severe headache, rapid heartbeat, stiffness in your neck, nausea, vomiting, cold sweat, sweating, vision problems, sensitivity to light;

• chest pain, fast or slow heart rate;

• swelling, rapid weight gain;

• agitation, unusual thoughts or behavior; or

• feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious side effects of phenelzine may include:

• dizziness;

• feeling weak or drowsy;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• constipation, upset stomach;

• dry mouth, decreased urination; or

• impotence, difficulty having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to phenelzine: oral tablet

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included dizziness, headache, drowsiness, sleep disturbances (including insomnia and hypersomnia), fatigue, tremors, twitching, myoclonic movements, and hyperreflexia. Less common side effects have included jitteriness, euphoria, nystagmus, paresthesias, ataxia, manic reaction, and convulsions.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included constipation, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included elevated serum transaminases (without accompanying signs and symptoms). Less common side effects have included reversible jaundice and fatal progressive necrotizing hepatocellular damage.

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included weight gain and hypernatremia. Hypermetabolic syndrome (which may include, but is not limited to, hyperpyrexia, tachycardia, tachypnea, muscular rigidity, elevated creatine kinase levels, metabolic acidosis, hypoxia, and coma) has been reported rarely and may resemble an overdose.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included postural hypotension and edema.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included sexual disturbances (e.g., anorgasmia, ejaculatory disturbances, and impotence) and urinary retention.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included pruritus, skin rash, and sweating.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included blurred vision and glaucoma.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have rarely included leukopenia.

Immunologic

Immunologic side effects have rarely included a lupus-like syndrome.

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