Moclobemide

About moclobemide

Moclobemide is prescribed for people with depression or social anxiety disorder, particularly if other treatments have proved unsuccessful.

Depression can develop for no apparent reason, or it can be triggered by a life event such as a relationship problem, a bereavement, or an illness. Social anxiety disorder is also known as social phobia - it is a fear of behaving in an embarrassing way whilst talking or meeting with other people.

Moclobemide works by interfering with brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters. It works by reducing the action of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase A. By doing this, it increases the levels of the neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. Altering the balance of these brain chemicals can help with the symptoms of depression and social anxiety disorder.

Before taking moclobemide

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking moclobemide it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have thyroid problems.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have bipolar disorder or are feeling particularly agitated or confused.

• If you have been told you have a tumour on your adrenal gland, called phaeochromocytoma.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take moclobemide

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack and any additional printed information you are given. The leaflets will give you more information about moclobemide and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take moclobemide exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usual to be prescribed two doses to take a day. You may be asked to take one or two tablets for each of your doses. There are two strengths of tablet available - 150 mg and 300 mg.

• Take moclobemide with a meal, or just after a snack.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose). Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• Some people who take moclobemide can be sensitive to a substance called tyramine which is present in some foods and alcoholic drinks. You should avoid eating large amounts of food such as mature cheese, yeast extracts such as Marmite®, Oxo® and Bovril®, and fermented soya bean extract (an ingredient in some Chinese food).

• When you first start taking moclobemide, you may have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. These thoughts can be associated with your condition. It is very important that you tell your doctor about this if it happens.

• Continue to take moclobemide unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping treatment suddenly can sometimes cause problems and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually if this becomes necessary. Your doctor may ask you to carry on taking moclobemide even after you feel better. This is normal and helps to prevent your symptoms from recurring.

• Check with a pharmacist before you buy or take any other medicines, to make sure that they are safe to take with moclobemide. Some commonly used cough and cold remedies and some painkillers must not be taken with moclobemide.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking moclobemide.

Can moclobemide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with moclobemide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store moclobemide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines