Prescription medication · Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI)

tranylcypromine

Name: tranylcypromine - FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Also sold as Parnate. Tranylcypromine is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Compiled by PlainMeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team

Data updated 2026-05-15

329
FDA reportsRarely reported: 42
InteractionsMany interactions: In shortage
FDA status

What the data shows

tranylcypromine (Parnate) is a prescription Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), among the least-reported drugs the FDA tracks (329 FDA reports), with 42 documented drug interactions.

Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.

tranylcypromine (Parnate) is a prescription Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). Tranylcypromine is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Tranylcypromine (Parnate) is a medicine used to treat major depression in adults. It is used when other antidepressants have not worked well enough.

Verify with FDA → · CMS NADAC pricing →

Drug Shortage Alert

tranylcypromine is currently listed as to be discontinued by the FDA. Affected manufacturer: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc..

View all drug shortages →

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Generic Price

$0.70/unit

Generic Available

Yes (3 manufacturers)

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

View Alternatives → Compare with Another Drug → Full Side Effects Report →

What it does

Tranylcypromine is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Common side effects

Dry mouth, Dizziness, Trouble sleeping

Key warnings

Tranylcypromine can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults.

The sections below are summarized in plain English from tranylcypromine's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.

How It Works

Tranylcypromine belongs to a class of drugs called MAO inhibitors. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain. These chemicals can help improve your mood.

How to Take It

Take tranylcypromine by mouth. The usual starting dose is 30 mg per day, divided into smaller doses. If needed, your doctor may increase the dose by 10 mg every 1 to 3 weeks. The maximum dose is 60 mg per day, divided into two doses.

This is a plain-language summary of tranylcypromine's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

There is limited information about the safety of tranylcypromine during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medicine because it can harm the baby.

This is a plain-language summary of tranylcypromine's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

This is a plain-language summary of tranylcypromine's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.

Storage

Store tranylcypromine at room temperature, between 59° and 86°F (15° and 30°C), in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 329 FDA adverse event reports.

Interaction between medicines

68
Feeling sad or hopeless

36
Too much serotonin in the body

27
Head pain

24
High blood pressure

24
Thoughts of suicide

24
Heart defect

23
Dangerous increase in blood pressure

23
Taking a medicine you shouldn't

22
Abnormal body shape

22

What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.

Reports over time

Adverse-event reports filed for tranylcypromine each year to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Year-to-year volume tracks usage, prescribing, and scrutiny, not a change in per-patient risk. Source: FDA FAERS.

Where tranylcypromine sits

tranylcypromine has more FDA adverse-event reports than 2% of the drugs FAERS tracks. A high position reflects how widely a drug is used and watched, not how dangerous it is.

fewest reports most reports

Percentile across all drugs PlainMeds tracks by FAERS report volume. The dot is tranylcypromine; the line is the median (50th percentile).

FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis

Detailed analysis of 329 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2004–2025.

Total Reports

329

Reports Mentioning Death

14.9% of reports — not proof of cause

Hospitalization Reports

116

Top Indication

Product Used For Unknown Indication

Gender Distribution

Female 170 (63%)

Male 95 (35%)

Age Distribution

0–17 3

18–44 58

45–64 86

65–74 40

75+ 34

Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)

#	Reaction	Reports
1	DRUG INTERACTION	68
2	DEPRESSION	36
4	SEROTONIN SYNDROME	27
5	HEADACHE	24
6	HYPERTENSION	24
7	SUICIDAL IDEATION	24
8	ATRIOVENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT	23
9	HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS	23
10	CONTRAINDICATED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED	22
11	DYSMORPHISM	22
12	HYPERHIDROSIS	22
13	MUSCLE SPASMS	21
14	INSOMNIA	20
15	NAUSEA	20
16	FOETAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY	19

Reactions in Death Reports

COMPLETED SUICIDE 18

DYSMORPHISM 12

ATRIOVENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT 11

FOETAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY 10

DRUG INTERACTION 9

FOETAL DEATH 8

HYPERTHERMIA 7

SEROTONIN SYNDROME 7

TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS 7

HYPERTELORISM OF ORBIT 6

Reactions in Hospitalization Reports

DRUG INTERACTION 20

DEPRESSION 18

SEROTONIN SYNDROME 14

HYPERTENSION 13

HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS 13

BLOOD PRESSURE FLUCTUATION 12

CONTRAINDICATED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED 11

OVERDOSE 11

COMPLETED SUICIDE 10

HEADACHE 10

Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation

Serious Warnings

Tranylcypromine can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults. It can also cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure if you eat foods high in tyramine or take certain medicines. Make sure to follow all food and drug restrictions.

Known Drug Interactions

major bupropion

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: • 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,...

Mechanism: These two antidepressants can cause a severe reaction when used at the same time. They both change brain chemicals in a way that can lead to dangerously high blood pressure.

What to do: Do not take these medications together. You must wait a specific amount of time when switching between these drugs to avoid serious side effects.

major linezolid

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. 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...

Mechanism: Both drugs act as MAO inhibitors, and using them together can cause a toxic buildup of chemicals in the brain. This can lead to a medical emergency with very high blood pressure.

What to do: Avoid this combination unless it is an emergency and no other options exist. If used together, you must stop tranylcypromine and be monitored very closely by medical staff.

major vilazodone

Mechanism: Both drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to a dangerous and life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.

What to do: Do not take these medications together. Your doctor will typically require a waiting period of at least 14 days when switching between them.

major epinephrine

Mechanism: Tranylcypromine prevents the body from breaking down epinephrine, which can cause a sudden and dangerously high spike in blood pressure.

What to do: Avoid this combination unless it is a medical emergency. If used in an emergency, a doctor must monitor your blood pressure and heart rate very closely.

major norepinephrine

Mechanism: This combination stops the body from clearing norepinephrine, which can cause blood pressure to rise to levels that may cause a stroke or heart attack.

What to do: Avoid using these drugs at the same time. If they must be used in a hospital setting, your vital signs must be monitored constantly by medical staff.

Check all your medications →

This is a plain-language summary of interactions documented in FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before combining medications.

Common Questions

Can I start tranylcypromine right after stopping another antidepressant?

No, you need to wait a certain amount of time. This could be from 1 week to 5 weeks, depending on the other antidepressant. Talk to your doctor.

What foods should I avoid while taking tranylcypromine?

You should avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods.

Can I take over-the-counter medicines with tranylcypromine?

You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines or supplements.

What should I do if I experience a severe headache while taking tranylcypromine?

A severe headache could be a sign of a hypertensive crisis. Seek immediate medical attention.

Can tranylcypromine cause problems if I need surgery?

Yes, it can affect your blood pressure during surgery. If possible, stop taking tranylcypromine before elective surgery.

Will this medicine make me gain weight?

Weight gain is a possible side effect, but significant anorexia (loss of appetite) is also possible.

Can I drink alcohol while taking tranylcypromine?

You should avoid alcohol, as it can interact with tranylcypromine and cause dangerous side effects.

What are the signs of a hypertensive crisis?

Signs include severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and very high blood pressure.

Is tranylcypromine safe for children and teenagers?

No, tranylcypromine is not approved for use in children and teenagers.

What should I do if I feel my depression is getting worse?

Tell your doctor right away if you feel your depression is getting worse or if you have thoughts of harming yourself.

What are the common side effects of tranylcypromine?

The most commonly reported side effects of tranylcypromine include Dry mouth, Dizziness, Trouble sleeping, Feeling sleepy, Headache. Based on 329 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Does tranylcypromine interact with other medications?

Yes, tranylcypromine has 42 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include bupropion, linezolid, vilazodone. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What drug class is tranylcypromine?

tranylcypromine belongs to the Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Tranylcypromine is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Is tranylcypromine safe during pregnancy?

There is limited information about the safety of tranylcypromine during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Is tranylcypromine currently in shortage?

Yes, tranylcypromine is currently listed as to be discontinued by the FDA. Affected manufacturer: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.. Visit the FDA Drug Shortages database for the latest updates.

Related Medications in Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI)

Other drugs grouped near tranylcypromine - same-class peers and common alternatives.

acamprosate

Campral

Acamprosate is a medicine that can help you stay away from alcohol if you are alcohol-dependent and have already stopped drinking.