Moclobemide
About Moclobemide
Moclobemide belongs to a group of medicines called anti-depressants used to treat depression and social phobia (social anxiety disorder). Depression is characterised by a persistent and intense feeling of sadness. Social phobia is an overwhelming fear of social situations.
Moclobemide contains Moclobemide, which works by increasing the levels of vital chemical messengers in the brain. Thereby, it helps treat depression and social phobia.
In some cases, Moclobemide may cause side effects such as trouble sleeping, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, and feeling sick. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Moclobemide may cause sleepiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive. Moclobemide is not recommended for children. Avoid consuming alcohol while being treated with Moclobemide. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Moclobemide
Medicinal Benefits
Moclobemide contains Moclobemide, which is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A anti-depressant used to treat depression and social phobia. Moclobemide works by interfering with chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. It reduces the action of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase type A. This helps increase the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline. Thereby, it helps treat symptoms of depression and social phobia.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Moclobemide
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
Drug Warnings
Do not take Moclobemide if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have a severe mental problem which makes you confused, unable to think or judge clearly or lose contact with reality or if you have phaeochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal glands). Inform the doctor if you have bipolar disorder, overactive thyroid, serious liver disease, epilepsy, or schizophrenia. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine is not recommended for children.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking anti-depressants (fluoxetine, bupropion, paroxetine, clomipramine, St.John’s Wort), opioid partial agonist (buprenorphine), cough and cold medicines (dextromethorphan, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine), pain killer (pethidine, tramadol, morphine, codeine, fentanyl), anti-Parkinson agent (selegiline), anti-migraine agent (triptans), antibiotics (linezolid), or antacid (cimetidine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming large quantities of tyramine-containing foods such as mature cheese, yeast extract, or fermented soya bean products while on treatment with Moclobemide.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have manic disorder, severe mental health problems, an overactive thyroid, or serious liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol whilst on treatment with Moclobemide.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. It should be used during pregnancy only if prescribed by the doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionMoclobemide may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It should be used during lactation only if prescribed by the doctor.
Driving
unsafeMoclobemide may cause sleepiness or drowsiness. Avoid driving while on treatment with Moclobemide unless you know how this medicine affects you.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have liver problems.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeMoclobemide is not recommended for children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly helps in improving overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
- Include foods rich in omega fatty acids such as fish, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables and olive oils.
- Neurotransmitters are made up of amino acids. Amino acid-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, and certain fruits and vegetables help properly maintain neurotransmitters.
- Complex carbohydrates help in stimulating serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter). These include whole grains, legumes, spinach, broccoli, oranges and pears.
- Exercising helps in the production of the body’s natural anti-depressants. It also helps in relieving stress, improving mood, boosting self-esteem, and providing restful sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Special Advise
- Consult the doctor immediately if you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life. This may be increased when you first start anti-depressants. This risk increases if you have previously thought about harming or killing yourself or are a young adult.
- If you are due to undergo any surgery or dental treatment, inform the doctor/dentist that you are taking Moclobemide.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Depression: Depression is a mental health disorder characterised by a persistent and intense feeling of sadness for an extended duration of time. It mainly impacts mood, behaviour, and other physical functions like sleep and appetite. Symptoms include sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep problems, restlessness, lack of energy, feeling worthless or guilty, thoughts of harming oneself, difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and thinking. The exact cause of depression is unknown. However, factors such as stress, changes in hormone levels, alcohol or drug abuse, abuse during childhood, certain medical conditions and medications might increase the risk of developing depression.
Social phobia: Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is a chronic mental health condition characterised by intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers. In patients with social phobia, everyday social interactions may cause fear, irrational anxiety, and self-consciousness. Symptoms include concern about offending someone, worry about embarrassment, and excessive fear of situations in which one may be judged.
FAQs
Moclobemide works by increasing the levels of chemical messengers in the brain. Thereby, it helps treat depression and social anxiety disorder.
Even though you feel well, continue taking Moclobemide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor. The doctor may reduce the dose gradually to prevent problems.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Moclobemide. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help stimulate saliva and thereby prevent drying of the mouth.
Avoid consuming tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese, alcohol, and smoked foods, as they may cause high blood pressure.