phenelzine

Last reviewed 01/2018

Phenelzine is a MAOI is the most widely used hydrazine derivative because it is less toxic to the liver and it has some anxiolytic properties.

It is inactivated by hepatic acetylation, so slow acetylators may have higher drug levels.

Notes:

  • dosulepin, phenelzine, combined antidepressants, and lithium augmentation of antidepressants should only be routinely initiated by specialist mental health professionals, including General Practitioners with a Special Interest in Mental Health (1)

Reference:

  1. NICE (December 2004).Depression Management of depression in primary and secondary care