Anxiety Medication Overview of Parnate

Parnate, known generically as tranylcypromine, is an antidepressant of the class known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It is usually prescribed as a treatment for depression in people who have failed to respond to other more commonly prescribed antidepressants, but it is also prescribed off-label to treat anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Parnate is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, but a generic version of the drug was approved by the FDA in 2006. The usual dosage of Parnate for anxiety is 30 mg per day, often taken in divided doses.

As with all MAOIs, it is important to be aware of Parnate's potential dangerous interactions with other substances. In addition, to be contraindicated with other MAOIs and certain other prescriptions drugs, MAOIs should not be taken with a number of other substances. These include, but are not limited to, over the counter cold and allergy medications, amphetamines and ephedrine, and foods that are high in tyramine. Foods to be avoided include aged cheeses, cured meats, sour cream, pickled herring, liver, meat prepared with tenderizers, yeast extracts like Marmite, soy sauce, fava beans, canned figs, raisins, avocados, chocolate, and caviar. Alcohol and a large amount of caffeine should also be avoided.

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