Phenelzine
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Permanently shuts down an enzyme that normally clears out three mood-related brain chemicals at once — serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine — going further than the SSRIs and SNRI already on this site, which only block reabsorption of one or two of them.
How it works
Phenelzine works differently from the other antidepressants on this site. Instead of blocking the reabsorption of one or two brain chemicals like SSRIs and SNRIs do, it permanently shuts down an enzyme that normally breaks down three mood-related chemicals — serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine — all at once, so more of each stays available. Because the shutdown is permanent, its effects last long after the last dose, which is also why people on it have to avoid certain foods, like aged cheese and cured meats, that can trigger a dangerous blood pressure spike.
What it’s used for
Phenelzine treats depression, especially forms with a strong anxiety component. Because of its dietary restrictions and interaction risks, doctors reserve it for patients who haven't responded to other, safer antidepressants first.
- Mechanism
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), irreversible and non-selective
- Drug class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- CNS / Psychiatric