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Nardil (phenelzine) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) approved to treat and manage treatment-resistant depression, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
Want to know if Nardil is the appropriate medication for your mental health condition? Find a mental health specialist on Klarity Health to figure out in as little as 24 hours.*
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
You’re unique. And your needs are too. You deserve treatment from a provider committed to you. Find an anxiety specialist on Klarity Health and access:
from a licensed, board-certified healthcare professional.
or off through treatment tailored to you.**
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your appointment. Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.
**Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication and/or therapy. If both therapy and medication are recommended, you’ll see a different provider for each service.
Nardil is a brand-name prescription MAOI antidepressant medication that was U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved in 1961 to treat various kinds of depression, including treatment-resistant, neurotic, nonendogenous, and atypical depression. It was later approved to treat panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.
Neurotic depression is diagnosed in an emotionally unstable person. Nonendogenous, or exogenous, depression is triggered by external stressors or traumatic events like losing your job, getting a divorce, or losing a loved one. Atypical depression is a kind of depression where a person gets a temporary mood boost from positive events.
Nardil shouldn’t typically be the first antidepressant drug prescribed for people with depression. It’s usually more suitable for people who haven’t responded to other antidepressants or treatments for depression.
A generic version of Nardil, oral phenelzine sulfate tablet, was FDA-approved in 2010. Nardil is also used off-label (for something it’s not FDA-approved for) for the treatment of bulimia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Nardil is part of a drug class called MAOIs. Unlike beta blockers, MAO inhibitors are antidepressant prescription drugs that reduce symptoms of depression by impacting neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that brain cells use to communicate. Nardil is a non-selective MAOI, meaning it inhibits both MAO-A and MAO-B receptors.
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that breaks down these neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, in the brain. MAOIs keep this process from happening, which makes more of the neurotransmitters available for your brain to use and helps reduce symptoms of depression.
Nardil and generic phenelzine sulfate are FDA-approved to treat social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and treatment-resistant, neurotic, nonendogenous, and atypical depression in adults and children over the age of 16 with these conditions. Prescribers sometimes also prescribe Nardil off-label for people with bulimia nervosa or OCD.
Nardil and generic phenelzine sulfate are contraindicated in several groups of people, so let your healthcare provider know if you have any of the following conditions:
• History of liver disease or abnormal liver function tests (LFTs)
• Kidney disease or severe kidney impairment
• Congestive heart failure
• Pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that typically begins in your adrenal gland cells
• Hypersensitivity to phenelzine
You must see a healthcare provider licensed to prescribe medications, like nurse practitioners (NPs), psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNP) physician assistants/associates (PAs), and medical doctors or psychiatrists (MDs), to get a Nardil prescription online.
You can find a licensed healthcare professional on Klarity Health who specializes in treating mental health conditions, including depression, OCD, anxiety, and PTSD. They can offer medical advice, figure out a treatment plan for you, and prescribe Nardil if they determine that it’s the right medication for you.
Some states require a provider see you at least once in person before they can prescribe medication. Find out what the requirements are in your state on the Center for Connected Health Policy website.
The typical starting dose for Nardil and generic phenelzine sulfate tablets is a 15-milligram tablet taken 3 times per day. The dose is then increased to at least 60 milligrams per day. Some people need up to 90 milligrams per day for Nardil to work properly. Many people don’t see a clinical response to Nardil or phenelzine sulfate until they’ve taken a daily 60-milligram dose for at least 4 weeks.
Take Nardil and generic phenelzine sulfate by mouth with a glass of water. And make sure to follow the instructions on the prescription label and take it at regular intervals.
If you miss a dose of Nardil or generic phenelzine sulfate, take it as soon as possible. If it’s almost time to take your next dose, simply take that dose. Don’t take extra doses. You should never abruptly stop taking Nardil, due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Store your Nardil or generic phenelzine tablets in the refrigerator. And keep the tablets in their original package and protect them from light.
Ask your pharmacist about the best and safest way to throw away Nardil, generic phenelzine sulfate, or any other medications you’re no longer using.
The most common side effects of Nardil and phenelzine sulfate are dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, insomnia, constipation, upset stomach, dry mouth, urinary retention or reduced urination, impotence, or trouble having an orgasm. There’s also an increased risk of headaches with phenelzine sulfate.
Nardil and phenelzine sulfate’s more serious or worsening side effects include fainting, muscle stiffness, tremors, shivering, neck stiffness or soreness, swollen legs or ankles, unusual weight gain, and vision changes, like double or blurred vision. Nardil can also cause fever associated with increased muscle tone and mental or mood changes, like confusion or agitation. Phenelzine sulfate can cause additional serious side effects, including skin rash and reversible jaundice.
Nardil and phenelzine sulfate can have drug interactions with serotoninergic agents, including citalopram, dexfenfluramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. People taking Nardil should also avoid taking sympathomimetic medications, including norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, methylphenidate, cocaine, and amphetamines, as well as related compounds, including phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, L-dopa, and methyldopa. Nardil can also interact with over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications.
You should also avoid consuming foods, beverages, and supplements containing dopamine or tyramine while taking Nardil or generic phenelzine. These foods include pepperoni, yogurt, yeasts, soy sauce, sour cream, sauerkraut, liver, fava beans, caviar, canned figs, and cheese, particularly strong or aged cheeses. You should also avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine or alcohol when taking Nardil.
Let your healthcare provider know if you have the following conditions before taking Nardil or phenelzine sulfate:
There is also a boxed warning for Nardil related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Let your provider know if you experience any suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
If you take Nardil or phenelzine sulfate and have any side effects, work with your provider and consider reporting negative side effects to the FDA by visiting MedWatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Nardil costs $171 for a supply of 60 15-milligram oral tablets, according to drugs.com and with its discount.
Phenelzine sulfate is more affordable. A supply of 60 15-milligram oral phenelzine tablets costs $25 with the drugs.com discount.
Other prescription discount sites, like Optum Perks, SingleCare Rx, GoodRx, and NeedyMeds, can help you save from 3 to 80% on medications with or without insurance.
Nardil isn’t considered a first-line treatment for depression, and it’s not used for normal major depressive disorder (MDD). Other medications, like Zoloft and Prozac, can be more suitable for MDD and don’t have dietary restrictions.
Marplan (isocarboxazid) is FDA-approved to treat MDD. Like Nardil, Marplan is effective for treatment-resistant cases. On the flip side, you have to make some dietary restrictions, and there is a risk of hypertensive crisis with Marplan.
Zoloft (sertraline) is one of the most commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It’s FDA-approved to treat MDD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It effectively treats anxiety disorders, but it can cause sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, and nausea.
Prozac (fluoxetine) is approved to treat MDD, OCD, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and PTSD. It can also be used off-label to treat social anxiety. Prozac is energizing and has a long half-life, but it can cause sexual dysfunction and insomnia. There can also be some initial anxiety when you start taking it.
Marplan’s common side effects include dizziness, headaches, fainting, nausea, tremors, constipation, drowsiness, chest pain, and high blood pressure. Zoloft can cause nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, loss of appetite, increased sweating, tremors, insomnia, tiredness, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. Prozac’s common side effects can include diarrhea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea.
The best way to find out which mental health medication, if any, is best for you, if any, is to see a licensed healthcare provider.
Licensed medical professionals on Klarity Health will work with you to create a depression treatment plan tailored to you, including medication prescriptions if medically necessary, behavioral counseling or therapy, or skills training.
Use: FDA-approved medication for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Use: FDA-approved medication for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Zoloft (sertraline)
Use: FDA-approved medication for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
Use: FDA-approved medication for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Reviews from real patients who see healthcare providers on Klarity Health.
Klarity Health connects you with experienced, licensed providers who specialize in depression treatment. Select your state to see available providers.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
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PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
