Medication

Tranylcypromine

Generic name: tranylcypromine · Brand names: Tranylcypromine

Information sourced from FDA Structured Product Labeling, updated December 20, 2024.

Boxed warning

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS and HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS WITH SIGNIFICANT TYRAMINE USE WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS and HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS WITH SIGNIFICANT TYRAMINE USE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Tranylcypromine tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients. ( 5.1 , 8.4 ) • Excessive consumption of foods or beverages with significant tyramine content or certain drugs can precipitate hypertensive crisis.

Monitor blood pressure, allow for medication free intervals, and advise patients to avoid foods and beverages with high tyramine content. ( 5.2 , 7.1 , 7.2 ) Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors . Tranylcypromine tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients . Hypertensive Crisis with Significant Tyramine Use Excessive consumption of foods or beverages with significant tyramine content or the use of certain drugs with tranylcypromine tablets or after tranylcypromine tablets discontinuation can precipitate hypertensive crisis. Monitor blood pressure and allow for medication-free intervals between administration of tranylcypromine tablets and interacting drugs.

Instruct patients to avoid ingestion of foods and beverages with high tyramine content .

What is it used for?

Tranylcypromine tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult patients who have not responded adequately to other antidepressants. Tranylcypromine tablets are not indicated for the initial treatment of MDD due to the potential for serious adverse reactions and drug interactions, and the need for dietary restrictions . • Tranylcypromine tablets are a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult patients who have not responded adequately to other antidepressants • Tranylcypromine tablets are not indicated for the initial treatment of MDD due to the potential for serious adverse reactions and drug interactions, and the need for dietary restrictions ( 1 , 4 , 5 , 7 )

How to take it

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Recommended daily dosage is 30 mg in divided doses • If no adequate response, increase dosage in increments of 10 mg per day every 1 to 3 weeks to a maximum dosage of 30 mg twice daily (60 mg per day). Consider more gradual dosage increases in patients at risk for hypotension • Consider discontinuing tranylcypromine tablets therapy gradually because of the risk for withdrawal effects ( 2.3 , 5.8 , 9.3 ) • Switching from or to other MAOIs or other antidepressants: See full prescribing information for instructions ( 2.2 , 7.1 )

Recommended Dosage Tranylcypromine

tablets are for oral use. The recommended dosage is 30 mg per day (in divided doses). If patients do not have an adequate response, increase the dosage in increments of 10 mg per day every 1 to 3 weeks to a maximum 30 mg twice daily (60 mg per day). Dosage increases should be made more gradually in patients at risk for hypotension (e.g., geriatric patients) .

Switching to or from Other Antidepressants Switching from Contraindicated

Antidepressants to Tranylcypromine Tablets After stopping treatment with contraindicated antidepressants, a time period of 4 to 5 half-lives of the other antidepressant or any active metabolite should elapse before starting treatment with tranylcypromine tablets. After stopping treatment with an MAO inhibitor antidepressant, a time period of at least one week or 4 to 5 half-lives of the other MAO inhibitor (whichever is longer) should elapse before starting treatment with tranylcypromine tablets to reduce the risk of additive effects . Switching from tranylcypromine tablets to Other MAOIs or Contraindicated Antidepressants After stopping tranylcypromine tablets treatment, at least one week should elapse before starting another MAOI (intended to treat MDD) or other contraindicated antidepressants. Refer to the prescribing information of the subsequently used drug for product-specific advice on a medication-free interval .

Discontinuing Treatment Withdrawal

effects, including delirium, have been reported with abrupt discontinuation of tranylcypromine tablets therapy. Higher daily doses and longer duration of use appear to be associated with a higher risk of withdrawal effects. Consider discontinuing tranylcypromine tablets therapy by slow, gradual dosage reduction .

Screen for Bipolar Disorder and Elevated Blood

Pressure Prior to Starting Tranylcypromine Tablets Prior to initiating treatment with tranylcypromine tablets: • Screen patients for a history of mania . • Measure blood pressure .

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Activation of Mania/Hypomania : May be precipitated by antidepressant treatment in patients with bipolar disorder. Screen patients prior to treatment • Hypotension (including syncope) : Monitor patients and adjust tranylcypromine tablets dosage or concomitant medication as necessary • Hypotension and Hypertension during Anesthesia and Perioperative Care : If possible, discontinue tranylcypromine tablets prior to elective surgery • Hepatitis and Elevated Liver Enzymes : Monitor accordingly

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young

Adults In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients and 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 2.

Table 2: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo <18 years old 14 additional patients 18-24 years old 5 additional patients Decreases Compared to Placebo 25-64 years old 1 fewer patient ≥65 years old 6 fewer patients It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay the recurrence of depression and that depression itself is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for any indication for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy, and at times of dosage changes.

Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing tranylcypromine tablets, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Hypertensive Crisis and Hypertension Hypertensive Crisis

MAOIs, including tranylcypromine tablets, have been associated with hypertensive crises caused by the ingestion of foods or beverages with a high concentration of tyramine. In addition, hypertensive reactions and crises may occur with concomitant use of other drugs . Patients with hyperthyroidism may be at greater risk of hypertensive crisis. Signs, Symptoms, and Complications of Hypertensive Crisis: In some patients a hypertensive crisis constitutes a hypertensive emergency, which requires immediate attention to prevent serious complications or fatal outcome.

These emergencies are characterized by severe hypertension (e.g., with a blood pressure of more than 180/120 mm Hg) and evidence of organ dysfunction. Symptoms may include occipital headache (which may radiate frontally), palpitations, neck stiffness or soreness, nausea or vomiting, sweating (sometimes with fever or cold, clammy skin), dilated pupils, photophobia, shortness of breath, or confusion. Either tachycardia or bradycardia may be present and may be associated with constricting chest pain.

Seizures may also occur. Intracranial bleeding, sometimes fatal, has been reported in association with the increase in blood pressure. Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Hypertensive Crisis: Instruct patients to avoid foods and beverages with high tyramine content while being treated with tranylcypromine tablets and for 2 weeks after stopping tranylcypromine tablets . Careful evaluation of the benefits and risks of tranylcypromine tablets therapy is necessary in patients with: • Hypertension or confirmed or suspected cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disorders that constitute an increased risk for complications from severe hypertension, and • A history of headaches that can mask the occurrence of headaches as prodromal of a hypertensive crisis.

In all patients taking tranylcypromine tablets, monitor blood pressure closely to detect evidence of increased blood pressure. Full reliance should not be placed on blood pressure readings. The patient should also be observed for other signs and symptoms of hypertensive crisis. Treatment of Hypertensive Crisis: Therapy should be interrupted with symptoms that may be prodromal or a manifestation of a hypertensive crisis, such as palpitations or headaches, and patients should be evaluated immediately.

Discontinue tranylcypromine tablets, other drugs, foods or beverages suspected to contribute to the hypertensive crisis immediately . Patients with severe elevations in blood pressure (e.g., more than 180/120 mm Hg) with evidence of organ dysfunction require immediate blood pressure reduction. Fever should be managed by means of external cooling. However, additional measures to control the causes of hyperthermia (psychomotor agitation, increased neuromuscular activity, persistent seizures) may be required.

Hypertension Clinically significant increases in blood pressure have also been reported after the administration of MAOIs, including tranylcypromine tablets, in patients not ingesting tyramine-rich foods or beverages. Assess blood pressure before prescribing tranylcypromine tablets and closely monitor blood pressure in all patients taking tranylcypromine tablets.

Serotonin Syndrome The

development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with MAOIs when used concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs. Such drugs include SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, St. John's wort, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e), and other MAOIs used to treat nonpsychiatric disorders (such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue).

Manifestations of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia; with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Fatal outcome of serotonin syndrome has been reported, including in patients who had been treated with tranylcypromine tablets. In some cases of an interaction between tranylcypromine tablets and SSRIs or SNRIs, the features of the syndrome resembled neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

The concomitant use, or use in rapid succession, of tranylcypromine tablets with other serotonergic drugs is contraindicated. However, there may be circumstances when treatment with other serotonergic substances (such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue) is necessary and cannot be delayed. In such cases, tranylcypromine tablets must be discontinued as soon as possible before initiating treatment with the other agent.

Treatment with tranylcypromine tablets and any concomitant serotonergic agents should be discontinued immediately if the above events occur, and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated.

Activation of Mania or Hypomania In

patients with bipolar disorder, treating a depressive episode with tranylcypromine tablets or another antidepressant may precipitate a mixed/manic episode. Prior to initiating treatment with tranylcypromine tablets, screen patients for any personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.

Hypotension Hypotension,

including postural hypotension, has been observed during therapy with tranylcypromine tablets. At doses above 30 mg daily, postural hypotension is a major adverse reaction and may result in syncope. Symptoms of postural hypotension are seen most commonly, but not exclusively, in patients with pre-existing hypertension.

Blood pressure usually returns rapidly to pretreatment levels upon discontinuation of tranylcypromine tablets. Dosage increases should be made more gradually in patients with a tendency toward hypotension and/or postural hypotension (e.g., elderly patients) . Such patients should be closely observed for postural changes in blood pressure throughout treatment. Also, when tranylcypromine tablets are used concomitantly with other agents known to cause hypotension, the possibility of additive hypotensive effects should be considered . Postural hypotension may be relieved by having patients lie down until blood pressure returns to normal.

Hypotension and Hypertension

during Anesthesia and Perioperative Care It is recommended that tranylcypromine tablets be discontinued at least 10 days prior to elective surgery. If this is not possible, for general anesthesia, regional and local anesthesia, and perioperative care avoid the use of agents that are contraindicated for concomitant use with tranylcypromine tablets. Carefully consider the risk of agents and techniques that increase the risk for hypotension (e.g., epidural or spinal anesthesia) or other adverse reactions to tranylcypromine tablets (e.g., hypertension associated with the use of vasoconstrictors in local anesthetics).

Need for Emergency Treatment with Contraindicated Drugs

If in the absence of therapeutic alternatives emergency treatment with a contraindicated product (e.g., linezolid, intravenous methylene blue, direct-acting sympathomimetic drugs such as epinephrine) becomes necessary and cannot be delayed, discontinue tranylcypromine tablets as soon as possible before initiating treatment with the other product and monitor closely for adverse reactions .

Discontinuation Syndrome Abrupt

discontinuation or dosage reduction of tranylcypromine tablets has been associated with the appearance of new symptoms that include dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability, insomnia, diarrhea, anxiety, fatigue, abnormal dreams, and hyperhidrosis. In general, discontinuation events occurred more frequently with longer duration of therapy. There have been spontaneous reports of adverse reactions occurring upon discontinuation of MAOIs, particularly when abrupt, including dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g. paresthesia, such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, and seizures.

While these reactions are generally self-limiting, there have been reports of prolonged discontinuation symptoms. Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment with tranylcypromine tablets. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible .

Risk of Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions

due to Persistence of MAO Inhibition after Discontinuation Although excretion of tranylcypromine tablets are rapid, inhibition of MAO may persist up to 10 days following discontinuation. This should be taken into account when considering the use of potentially interacting substances or the consumption of tyramine-rich food or beverages , or when interpreting adverse reactions observed after discontinuation of tranylcypromine tablets. Care should be taken to differentiate symptoms of persistent MAO inhibition from withdrawal symptoms .

Hepatotoxicity Hepatitis and

elevated aminotransferases have been reported in association with tranylcypromine tablets administration. Patients should be monitored accordingly. Tranylcypromine tablets should be discontinued in patients who develop signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Sedation has occurred in tranylcypromine tablets-treated patients with cirrhosis.

Patients with cirrhosis receiving tranylcypromine tablets should be monitored for possible increased risks of central nervous system adverse reactions, such as excessive drowsiness.

Seizures Seizures

have been reported with tranylcypromine tablets withdrawal after abuse, and with overdose. Patients at risk for seizures should be monitored accordingly.

Hypoglycemia in Diabetic Patients Some MAOIs

have contributed to hypoglycemic episodes in diabetic patients receiving insulin or other blood-glucose-lowering agents. Monitor blood glucose in patients receiving both tranylcypromine tablets and blood-glucose-lowering agents. A reduction of the dosage of such agents may be necessary .

Aggravation of Coexisting Symptoms of Depression Tranylcypromine

tablets may aggravate coexisting symptoms in depression, such as anxiety and agitation.

Adverse Effects on the Ability to Drive and Operate

Machinery Some tranylcypromine tablets adverse reactions (e.g., hypotension, faintness, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation) can impair a patient's ability to operate machinery or use an automobile. Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that tranylcypromine tablets therapy does not impair their ability to engage in such activities.

Who should not take it

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS • Concomitant use or use in rapid succession with other MAOIs; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors; tricyclic antidepressants; sympathomimetic drugs; and numerous other drugs. See Full Prescribing Information for the full list of contraindicated products ( 4.1 , 7.1 ) • Pheochromocytoma, other catecholamine-releasing paraganglioma

Combination with Certain Drugs Concomitant

use of tranylcypromine tablets or use in rapid succession with the products in Table 1 is contraindicated. Such use may cause severe or life-threatening reactions such as hypertensive crises or serotonin syndrome . Medication-free periods between administration of tranylcypromine tablets and contraindicated agents are recommended . Table 1: Products Contraindicated with the Use of Tranylcypromine Tablets Drug Classes Non-selective H1 receptor antagonists Antidepressants including but not limited to: • Other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) • Tricyclic antidepressants • Other antidepressants (e.g., amoxapine, bupropion, maprotiline, nefazodone, trazodone, vilazodone, vortioxetine) Amphetamines and methylphenidates and derivatives Sympathomimetic products (e.g., cold, hay fever or weight-reducing products that contain vasoconstrictors such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and ephedrine; or dietary supplements that contain sympathomimetics) Triptans Individual Drugs (not included in the above classes) buspirone levodopa s-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e) carbamazepine meperidine tapentadol cyclobenzaprine methyldopa tetrabenazine dextromethorphan milnacipran tryptophan dopamine rasagiline hydroxytryptophan reserpine

Pheochromocytoma and Catecholamine-Releasing Paragangliomas Tranylcypromine

tablets are contraindicated in the presence of pheochromocytoma or other catecholamine-releasing paragangliomas because such tumors secrete pressor substances and can lead to hypertensive crisis .

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Risk Summary There

are limited published reports of placental infarction and congenital anomalies in association with use of tranylcypromine tablets during pregnancy; however, these reports may not adequately inform the presence or absence of drug-associated risk with the use of tranylcypromine tablets during pregnancy. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Animal embryo-fetal development studies were not conducted with tranylcypromine; however, published animal reproduction studies report placental transfer of tranylcypromine in rats and a dose-dependent decrease in uterine blood flow in pregnant sheep.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Clinical Considerations Labor or Delivery During labor and delivery, the potential for interactions between tranylcypromine tablets and drugs or procedures (e.g., epidural anesthesia) should be taken into account in women who have received tranylcypromine tablets .

Side effects

The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors • Hypertensive crisis and hypertension • Serotonin syndrome • Activation of mania/hypomania • Hypotension • Hypotension and hypertension during anesthesia and perioperative care • Discontinuation syndrome • Persistence of MAO inhibition after discontinuation • Hepatotoxicity • Seizures • Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients • Aggravation of coexisting symptoms of depression • Adverse effects on the ability to drive and operate machinery Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Based on clinical trial data, the most common adverse reactions to tranylcypromine were dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, sedation, and headache (>30%) and overexcitement, constipation, blurred vision, and tremor (>10%). The following adverse reactions have been identified in clinical trials or during postapproval use of tranylcypromine tablets: Blood and lymphatic system disorders: agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia Endocrine disorders: impaired water excretion compatible with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) Metabolism and nutrition disorders: significant anorexia, weight gain Psychiatric disorders: excessive stimulation/overexcitement, manic symptoms/hypomania, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, disorientation, loss of libido Nervous system disorders: dizziness, restlessness/akathisia, akinesia, ataxia, myoclonic jerks, tremor, hyperreflexia, muscle spasm, paresthesia, numbness, memory loss, sedation, drowsiness, dysgeusia, headaches (without blood pressure elevation) Eye disorders: blurred vision, nystagmus Ear and labyrinth disorders: tinnitus Cardiac disorders: tachycardia, palpitations Vascular disorders: hypertensive crisis, hypertension, hypotension (including postural hypotension with syncope) Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, fissuring in corner of mouth Hepatobiliary disorders: hepatitis, elevated aminotransferases Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: localized scleroderma, flare-up of cystic acne, urticaria, rash, alopecia, sweating Renal and urinary disorders: urinary retention, urinary incontinence, urinary frequency Reproductive system and breast disorders: impotence, delayed ejaculation General disorders and administration site conditions: edema, chills, weakness, fatigue/lethargy Most common adverse reactions (>10%) were dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, sedation, headache, overexcitement, constipation, blurred vision, and tremor To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Solco Healthcare US, LLC at 1-866-257-2597 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health. Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling.