Phenelzine: profile and news

Medicine mix kills man, 40 May 4, 2006
...between Venlafaxine, an anti-depressant Mr Elliott had previously taken, but had not been prescribed since February 2000 and an anti-depressant, Phenelzine. ... - Whitehaven News,

Other information

Indication
Indicated in the treatment of depression.

Pharmacology
Phenelzine belongs to a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Phenelzine works by irreversibly blocking the action of a chemical substance known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the nervous system. Within neurons, MAO appears to regulate the levels of monoamines released upon synaptic firing. Since depression is associated with low levels of monoamines, the inhibition of MAO serves to ease depressive symptoms.

Mechanism Of Action
The irreversible inhibition of MAO by Phenelzine causes an increase in the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the neuron, relieving depressive symptoms.

Drug Category
Antidepressants; ATC:N06AF03

Brand Names/Synonyms
Beta-Phenylethylhydrazine; CHEMBANK3273; Fenelzina [Inn-Spanish]; Fenelzyna; Fenelzyna [Polish]; Fenelzyne; Fenelzyne [Polish]; Hydrazine, Phenethyl-; Nardil; Phenalzine; Phenelezine; Phenelzine; Phenelzinum [Inn-Latin]; Phenethylhydrazine; Phenylethyl Hydrazine-Hcl; Phenylethylhydrazine; Stinerval; W-1544; W1544

Dosage Forms
TABLET

Absorption
Readily absorbed after oral administration.

Interactions
Interactions for Phenelzine:

In patients receiving nonselective monoamine oxidase (MOA) inhibitors in combination with serotoninergic agents (e.g., dexfenfluramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafexine) there have been reports of serious, sometimes fatal, reactions. Because Nardil is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, Nardil should not be used concomitantly with a serotoninergic agent.

Chemical IUPAC Name
2-hydrazinylethylbenzene

Chemical Formula
C8H12N2

Half Life
Not Available

Drug Type
Approved Drug

# Accession No
APRD00099

CAS Registry Number
51-71-8