Other
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . Tranylcypromine tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] .
Hypertensive Crisis with Significant Tyramine Use
Excessive consumption of foods or beverages with significant tyramine content or the use of certain drugs with tranylcypromine tablets or after tranylcypromine tablets discontinuation can precipitate hypertensive crisis. Monitor blood pressure and allow for medication-free intervals between administration of tranylcypromine tablets and interacting drugs. Instruct patients to avoid ingestion of foods and beverages with high tyramine content [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2)] .
Switching from Contraindicated Antidepressants to Tranylcypromine Tablets
After stopping treatment with contraindicated antidepressants, a time period of 4 to 5 half-lives of the other antidepressant or any active metabolite should elapse before starting treatment with tranylcypromine tablets. After stopping treatment with an MAO inhibitor antidepressant, a time period of at least one week or 4 to 5 half-lives of the other MAO inhibitor (whichever is longer) should elapse before starting treatment with tranylcypromine tablets to reduce the risk of additive effects [see Contraindications (4.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1)] .
Switching from tranylcypromine tablets to Other MAOIs or Contraindicated Antidepressants
After stopping tranylcypromine tablets treatment, at least one week should elapse before starting another MAOI (intended to treat MDD) or other contraindicated antidepressants. Refer to the prescribing information of the subsequently used drug for product-specific advice on a medication-free interval [see Contraindications (4.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1)] .
Hypertensive Crisis
MAOIs, including tranylcypromine tablets, have been associated with hypertensive crises caused by the ingestion of foods or beverages with a high concentration of tyramine. In addition, hypertensive reactions and crises may occur with concomitant use of other drugs [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] . Patients with hyperthyroidism may be at greater risk of hypertensive crisis.
Signs, Symptoms, and Complications of Hypertensive Crisis: In some patients a hypertensive crisis constitutes a hypertensive emergency, which requires immediate attention to prevent serious complications or fatal outcome. These emergencies are characterized by severe hypertension (e.g., with a blood pressure of more than 180/120 mm Hg) and evidence of organ dysfunction. Symptoms may include occipital headache (which may radiate frontally), palpitations, neck stiffness or soreness, nausea or vomiting, sweating (sometimes with fever or cold, clammy skin), dilated pupils, photophobia, shortness of breath, or confusion. Either tachycardia or bradycardia may be present and may be associated with constricting chest pain. Seizures may also occur. Intracranial bleeding, sometimes fatal, has been reported in association with the increase in blood pressure.
Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Hypertensive Crisis: Instruct patients to avoid foods and beverages with high tyramine content while being treated with tranylcypromine tablets and for 2 weeks after stopping tranylcypromine tablets [see Drug Interactions (7.2)] . Careful evaluation of the benefits and risks of tranylcypromine tablets therapy is necessary in patients with:
- Hypertension or confirmed or suspected cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disorders that constitute an increased risk for complications from severe hypertension, and
- A history of headaches that can mask the occurrence of headaches as prodromal of a hypertensive crisis.
- Other MAOIs (e.g., linezolid, intravenous methylene blue, selective MAOIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Amoxapine, bupropion, maprotiline, nefazodone, trazodone, vilazodone, vortioxetine
- Warn the patient not to take concomitant medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter drugs, or dietary supplements without prior consultation with a health care provider able to provide advice on the potential for interactions.
- Explain to the patient that some other drugs may require a medication-free interval even after discontinuation of tranylcypromine tablets.
- Advise the patient to inform other physicians, pharmacists, and dentists about the treatment with tranylcypromine tablets.
- Warn the patient to avoid tyramine-rich foods and beverages.
- Advise the patient to avoid eating foods if storage conditions or freshness is unknown and to be cautious of foods of unknown age or composition even if refrigerated.
- Warn the patient about the possible adverse reactions that can impair the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery.
- Tell the patient not to operate hazardous machinery and automobiles until they are reasonably certain that their ability to engage in such activities is not impaired.
In all patients taking tranylcypromine tablets, monitor blood pressure closely to detect evidence of increased blood pressure. Full reliance should not be placed on blood pressure readings. The patient should also be observed for other signs and symptoms of hypertensive crisis.
Treatment of Hypertensive Crisis: Therapy should be interrupted with symptoms that may be prodromal or a manifestation of a hypertensive crisis, such as palpitations or headaches, and patients should be evaluated immediately. Discontinue tranylcypromine tablets, other drugs, foods or beverages suspected to contribute to the hypertensive crisis immediately [see Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2)] .
Patients with severe elevations in blood pressure (e.g., more than 180/120 mm Hg) with evidence of organ dysfunction require immediate blood pressure reduction. Fever should be managed by means of external cooling. However, additional measures to control the causes of hyperthermia (psychomotor agitation, increased neuromuscular activity, persistent seizures) may be required.
Hypertension
Clinically significant increases in blood pressure have also been reported after the administration of MAOIs, including tranylcypromine tablets, in patients not ingesting tyramine-rich foods or beverages. Assess blood pressure before prescribing tranylcypromine tablets and closely monitor blood pressure in all patients taking tranylcypromine tablets.
Time to Start Tranylcypromine Tablets after Discontinuation of a Contraindicated Drug
For products that are contraindicated with tranylcypromine tablets, a time period of 4 to 5 half-lives of the other product or any active metabolite should elapse before starting treatment with tranylcypromine tablets. After stopping treatment with an MAO inhibitor antidepressant, a time period of at least 1 week or 4 to 5 half-lives of the other MAO inhibitor (whichever is longer) should elapse before starting treatment with tranylcypromine tablets because of the risk for clinically significant adverse reactions after discontinuation due to persistent MAO inhibition [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] . This period can be several weeks long (e.g., a minimum of 5 weeks for fluoxetine given fluoxetine's long half-life). Refer to the prescribing information of the contraindicated product for relevant information.
Time to Start Contraindicated Drug after Discontinuation of Tranylcypromine Tablets
The potential for interactions persists after discontinuation of tranylcypromine tablets until MAO activity has sufficiently recovered. Inhibition of MAO may persist up to 10 days following discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] . After stopping tranylcypromine tablets, at least 1 week should elapse before starting another MAOI (intended to treat MDD) or other contraindicated antidepressants. Refer to the prescribing information of any agent considered for subsequent use for recommendations on the duration of a waiting period after discontinuation of a MAO inhibitor.
If in the absence of therapeutic alternatives and emergency treatment with a contraindicated drug (e.g., linezolid, intravenous methylene blue, direct-acting sympathomimetic drugs such as epinephrine) becomes necessary and cannot be delayed, discontinue tranylcypromine tablets as soon as possible before initiating treatment with the other agent, and monitor closely for adverse reactions.
| Product | Clinical Comment on Concomitant Use
[See Contraindications (4.1)] ; | Predominant Effect/Risk
[Hypertensive Reaction (HR) [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] ; or Serotonin Syndrome (SS)[See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] ] |
|---|---|---|
| Agents with blood pressure-reducing effects | Use with caution
If not otherwise specified in this table, consider avoiding concomitant use (see also information on medication-free intervals, use agent at the lowest appropriate dosage, monitor for effects of the interaction, advise the patient to report potential effects). | Hypotension
[See Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] ; |
| Non-selective H1 receptor antagonists | Contraindicated
| Increased anticholinergic effects |
| Beta-adrenergic blockers (see also agents or procedures with blood pressure-reducing effects) | Use with caution
| More pronounced bradycardia, postural hypotension
|
| Blood glucose-lowering agents | Dosage reduction of such agents may be necessary. Monitor blood glucose. | Excessive reduction of blood glucose (additive effect)
[See Warnings and Precautions (5.14)] ; |
| CNS depressant agents (including opioids, alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics) | Use with caution
| Increased CNS depression |
| Dietary supplements containing sympathomimetics | Contraindicated
| |
| Antidepressants including but not limited to:
| Contraindicated
| SS for all antidepressants For MAOIs, increased MAO inhibition and risk of adverse reactions, SS, and HR
[See Overdosage (10.1)] |
| Amphetamines and methylphenidates and derivatives | Contraindicated
| HR |
| Sympathomimetic drugs
Sympathomimetic drugs include amphetamines as well as cold, hay fever or weight-reducing products that contain vasoconstrictors such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and ephedrine) | Contraindicated
| HR; Including risk of intracerebral hemorrhage |
| Triptans | Contraindicated
| SS |
| Product | Clinical Comment on Concomitant Use
[See Contraindications (4.1)] ; | Predominant Effect/Risk
[Hypertensive Reaction (HR) [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] ; or Serotonin Syndrome (SS)[See Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] ] |
|---|---|---|
| Altretamine | Use with caution
If not otherwise specified in this table, consider avoiding concomitant use (see also information on medication-free intervals , use agent at the lowest appropriate dose, monitor for effects of the interaction, advise the patient to report potential effects, and be prepared to discontinue the agent and treat effects of the interaction | Orthostatic hypotension
[See Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] |
| Buspirone | Contraindicated
| HR |
| Carbamazepine | Contraindicated
| SS |
| Chlorpromazine | Use with caution
| Hypotensive effects
|
| Cyclobenzaprine | Contraindicated
| SS |
| Dextromethorphan | Contraindicated
| SS; Psychosis, bizarre behavior |
| Dopamine | Contraindicated
| HR |
| Droperidol | Use with caution
| QT interval prolongation |
| Entacapone | Use with caution
| HR |
| Fentanyl | Use with caution
| SS |
| Hydroxytryptophan | Contraindicated
| SS |
| Levodopa | Contraindicated
| HR |
| Lithium | Use with caution
| SS |
| Meperidine | Contraindicated
| SS |
| Methadone | Use with caution
| SS |
| Methyldopa | Contraindicated
| HR |
| Metoclopramide | Use with caution
| HR/SS |
| Mirtazapine | Contraindicated
| SS |
| Oxcarbazepine | Use with caution
| SS |
| Rasagiline | Contraindicated
| HR |
| Reserpine | Contraindicated
| HR |
| S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e) | Contraindicated
| SS |
| Tapentadol | Contraindicated
| HR/SS |
| Tetrabenazine | Contraindicated
| HR |
| Tolcapone | Use with caution
| HR |
| Tramadol | Use with caution
| SS; Increased seizure risk |
| Tryptophan | Contraindicated
| SS |
Risk Summary
There are limited published reports of placental infarction and congenital anomalies in association with use of tranylcypromine tablets during pregnancy; however, these reports may not adequately inform the presence or absence of drug-associated risk with the use of tranylcypromine tablets during pregnancy. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Animal embryo-fetal development studies were not conducted with tranylcypromine; however, published animal reproduction studies report placental transfer of tranylcypromine in rats and a dose-dependent decrease in uterine blood flow in pregnant sheep. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
Clinical Considerations
Labor or Delivery
During labor and delivery, the potential for interactions between tranylcypromine tablets and drugs or procedures (e.g., epidural anesthesia) should be taken into account in women who have received tranylcypromine tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Drug Interactions (7.1)] .
Risk Summary
Tranylcypromine is present in human milk. There is no available information on the effects of tranylcypromine on milk production. There is no available information on the effects of tranylcypromine on a breastfed child; however, because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, advise nursing women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment with tranylcypromine tablets.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Advise patients and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially early during treatment and when the dosage is adjusted up or down [see Box Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .
Hypertensive Crisis
Advise the patient on possible symptoms and instruct the patient to seek immediate medical attention if related signs or symptoms are present [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
Serotonin Syndrome
Advise the patient on possible symptoms, and explain the potentially fatal nature of serotonin syndrome and that it may result from an interaction with other serotonergic drugs. Instruct the patient to seek immediate medical attention if related signs or symptoms are present [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
Interaction with Other Drugs and Dietary Supplements [see Contraindications (4.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1)]
Interaction with Foods and Beverages [see Contraindications (4.1) and Drug Interactions (7.2)]
Hypotension
Advise the patient to report any symptoms of hypotension in the initial phase of treatment to the healthcare provider, because occurrence of such symptoms may require discontinuation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] .
Withdrawal Symptoms
Warn the patient not to stop tranylcypromine tablets treatment abruptly, as withdrawal symptoms may occur and that the effect of tranylcypromine tablets may continue even after discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8, 5.9)] .
Aggravation of Coexisting Symptoms of Depression
Inform the patient that tranylcypromine tablets may aggravate coexisting symptoms in depression, such as anxiety and agitation and instruct them to contact their healthcare provider if they experience such symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)] .
Effects on Ability to Drive or Use Machinery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)]
Manufactured by:
Rivopharm SA
6928, Manno, Switzerland
Distributed by:
Solco Healthcare US, LLC
Somerset, NJ 08873, USA
L7151
Rev. 10/2022