Marplan Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Marplan Tablet contains isocarboxazid, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), used to treat major depression, usually after other antidepressants have not worked well. It works by blocking an enzyme that breaks down certain brain chemicals, raising levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine to help improve mood. Marplan carries risks of serious interactions and reactions, including with certain foods and medicines, so it is used carefully and under close medical supervision.

What is Marplan Tablet

Marplan is a brand-name tablet containing isocarboxazid, a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It is used to treat depression, usually after other antidepressants have not worked well.

Marplan Tablet uses

• Treats major depression.
• Helps reduce persistent sadness.
• May improve interest in daily activities.
• Helps manage depression when other antidepressants have not worked.
• May improve daily functioning when depression symptoms improve.

Benefits of Marplan Tablet

• May improve mood and emotional well-being.
• May help restore interest in daily activities.
• May reduce persistent feelings of sadness.
• May improve functioning when depression symptoms improve.
• May help when other antidepressants have not worked.

How Marplan Tablet works

Marplan blocks an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, which normally breaks down certain brain chemicals. By blocking this enzyme, the medicine raises levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which is thought to help improve mood.

Marplan Tablet dosage

Take this medicine by mouth as a tablet. Your dose will be started low and increased gradually by your doctor based on how well you tolerate it. Daily doses are usually split into two to four smaller doses spread through the day. It may take several weeks before you notice the full benefit of this medicine.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first; your dose may need to be lowered gradually. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose — do not double up.

Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine while taking this medicine. Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese, cured meats, pickled or fermented foods, and certain fruits, while taking this medicine and for at least two weeks after stopping it.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery or dental treatment, as it may need to be stopped at least 10 days beforehand. This medicine is not approved for use in children or in patients under 16 years of age.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet (10 mg)

Side effects of Marplan Tablet

Common

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Sleep problems/insomnia
• Drowsiness/sleepiness
• Tiredness/weakness
• Tremors
• Low blood pressure when standing up
• Anxiety
• Chills
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Decreased interest in sex or sexual difficulties

Serious

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Signs of a hypertensive crisis: severe headache, chest pain, fast heartbeat, sweating, stiff or sore neck, nausea or vomiting, confusion, blurry vision, trouble breathing
• Serotonin syndrome: hallucinations, seizures, confusion, restlessness, shivering, sweating, high fever, headache, racing heart, muscle stiffness or twitching, tremor
• Liver damage: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, unusual tiredness, itching, loss of appetite, light-colored stools, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes
• Severe allergic reaction: breathing problems, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, rash or hives, trouble swallowing
• Mania: increased energy, racing thoughts, reckless behavior, excessive happiness or irritability, talking faster than normal
• Seizures
• Fainting
• Severe or persistent headache

Warnings and precautions

• Antidepressants, including this medicine, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teenagers, and young adults, especially in the first few months of treatment or after a dose change. This medicine is not approved for use in children.
• This medicine can interact dangerously with many other medicines, including other antidepressants (MAOIs, SSRIs, tricyclics), decongestants, certain pain medicines, stimulants, and more. Always check with your doctor before starting any new medicine.
• Eating foods high in tyramine (like aged cheese, cured meats, and some fermented foods) while taking this medicine can cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure.
• This medicine should not be used in people with a history of certain heart or blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, or headaches.
• This medicine is considered a second-choice treatment because of the risk of serious side effects, and is generally used only after other antidepressants have not worked.
• Do not have elective surgery with general anesthesia while taking this medicine, and tell your doctor or dentist you are taking it before any procedure.
• It is not known whether this medicine can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant; it should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.
• It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk or how it may affect a nursing baby. It should only be used while breastfeeding if clearly needed.
• This medicine should not be used by people with severe kidney problems, and should be used carefully in those with reduced kidney function.
• This medicine should not be used by people with liver disease or abnormal liver function.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can cause serious reactions.
• This medicine can cause drowsiness or dizziness that may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, around 77°F (25°C), with brief excursions allowed between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
• Dispense and store in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
• Keep this and all medication out of the reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Get help right away if you or a family member has new or worsening thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, or sudden changes in mood or behavior.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you get a severe headache, stiff or sore neck, chest pain, fast heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, or nausea and vomiting, as these may be signs of a dangerous spike in blood pressure.
• Get emergency help if you develop symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as sweating, fever, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, racing heartbeat, muscle stiffness or twitching, or seizures.
• Contact your doctor right away if you notice signs of liver problems, such as yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, nausea, or stomach pain.
• Stop this medicine and get medical help right away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or widespread rash.

Alternatives

• Sertraline
• Tranylcypromine
• Phenelzine