Depression can adversely affect a person’s quality of life. But it is important to remember that if you have depressive symptoms, there is no need to continue suffering because different treatment options are available.
Still, what works for one person may not work for another. For some patients, the doctors may recommend psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, while for others, medications are required. One popular medication used to manage depression is Marplan.
EZCare doctors will determine what medication will help you best, based on a detailed assessment of your symptoms and health history.
What is Marplan?
Marplan is the most common isocarboxazid brand name that is typically prescribed for depression. It is an antidepressant of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class. MAOIs prevent the breakdown of certain chemicals in the brain, neurotransmitters, which can improve mood.
Although Marplan medication can be an effective treatment for depression, it is not without its risks, mainly because of adverse isocarboxazid interactions. It’s important for anyone considering Marplan for depression to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
The Pros of Using Marplan for Depression
Marplan is FDA-approved for Depression
There are many treatment options for depression, depending on the individual’s symptoms and preferences. Even though Isocarboxazid (Marplan) is not the first-line choice, it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing depression.
Marplan is a Good Option When Other Drugs Have Failed
MAOIs are considered second-line agents for the treatment of depression. They are typically used when other classes of antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), fail.
According to research, isocarboxazid has been proven effective in treating major depression with melancholic or endogenous characteristics.
Marplan Works on Several Neurotransmitters at Once
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in our bodies that regulate various body functions. When a person has a depressive disorder, disruption in specific neurotransmitter levels is associated with it. To be more specific, the ones responsible for emotional regulation, among other functions. Marplan increases the levels of the following neurotransmitters by inhibiting the action of monoamine oxidase enzymes:
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- Epinephrine
Medications work differently for different people. Consult a licensed MD to get a medicine that will work best for you.
What are the Cons of Using Marplan for Depression?
Varying Side Effects for Some Users
Isocarboxazid side effects vary depending on the patient. The most common adverse effects of Marplan include headache, weight loss, dry mouth, and dizziness. Less common side effects include anxiety, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Rare side effects include serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis. Don’t hesitate to contact health care if you experience any side effects.
Adverse Withdrawal Symptoms if Marplan Medication is Stopped Suddenly
Marplan is generally well-tolerated, but stopping it abruptly can cause Withdrawal Symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be mild to severe, lasting a few days to a few weeks.
While withdrawal symptoms are not usually dangerous, they can be very uncomfortable. They may make it difficult to stick with the discontinuation process. Typically, withdrawal symptoms are temporary and will eventually reduce and disappear.
Marplan Can Cause Serious Drug Interactions
MAOIs, including Marplan, have potentially severe adverse interactions when used with other drugs. These interactions can be life-threatening in some cases. Therefore, the use of Marplan is contraindicated along with certain medications listed below:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Other MAOIs
- Dibenzazepine drugs
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Bupropion
- Buspirone
- Sympathomimetics
- Meperidine
- Dextromethorphan
Appropriate time should be allowed for these medications to leave the body before starting Marplan and vice versa. Always provide your doctor with the complete list of medications you are currently taking.
Marplan Users Need to Avoid Certain Foods During Their Treatment
When taking Marplan, patients must be careful about the foods they eat. This is because the medicine can react with certain foods, and this can cause the person to feel unwell and lead to hypertensive crises.
If you are taking Isocarboxazid, you should avoid foods containing tyramine, which include aged cheeses, pickled foods, cured meats, sauerkraut, yogurt, and soy sauce, among others.
Prior Check-Ups: Raise the Chances of the Treatment’s Effectiveness
Because of the potential side effects, doctors need to know if their patients have any medical conditions that MAOIs could aggravate. For example, people with heart conditions or high blood pressure should avoid MAOIs, as the medications can cause an unsafe increase in blood pressure. Doctors should also be aware of any other medications their patients are taking, as MAOIs can interact with them.
Wrapping Up
Overall, isocarboxazid (Marplan) appears to be a somewhat effective medication for the treatment of depression, with the main advantages being its convenient once-daily dosing, its effectiveness in treating depression, and its general safety of use.
However, there are several potential disadvantages to using Marplan, including a high incidence of gastrointestinal side effects and the potential for drug interactions.
If you are considering taking Marplan for the treatment of depression, get in touch with us to discuss the potential risks and benefits.
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