PHENELZINE

also called Phenelzine Sulfate, synthetic drug of the monoamine-oxidase inhibitor type, and one of the first of its kind to be used to treat mental depression. Like other monoamine-oxidase inhibitor drugs, phenelzine prevents the enzymatic breakdown of biogenic amines such as the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is associated with certain brain functions including emotional stimulation. Phenelzine is administered orally. The onset of action is delayed, the effects of the drug developing slowly over the first two weeks of therapy. As with other monoamine-oxidase inhibitor drugs, liver damage is a possible side effect. Phenelzine may also react with certain foods, beverages, and medications to produce dangerously high blood pressure.