What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Phenelzine and tranylcypromine
Phenelzine's FDA label of June 6, 2025 names tranylcypromine in its contraindications section; tranylcypromine's label does not name phenelzine itself but warns about its class (MAO inhibitors).
Check it at the source: the phenelzine FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 6, 2025, Parke-Davis Div of Pfizer Inc); the tranylcypromine FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 2, 2025, Advanz Pharma (US) Corp.).
What does the phenelzine label say about tranylcypromine?
Phenelzine label, contraindicationsA List of MAO Inhibitors by Generic Name Follows: pargyline hydrochloride pargyline hydrochloride and methylclothiazide furazolidone isocarboxazid procarbazine tranylcypromine NARDIL should also not be used in combination with buspirone HCl, since several cases of elevated blood pressure have been reported in patients taking MAO inhibitors who were then given buspirone HCl.
Source: FDA drug label (Nardil), Parke-Davis Div of Pfizer Inc, effective June 6, 2025 (SPL set 513a41d0-37d4-4355-8a6d-a2c643bce6fa), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the tranylcypromine label say about phenelzine?
Tranylcypromine's label does not name phenelzine itself; it warns about its class (MAO inhibitors):
Tranylcypromine label, drug interactionsOther 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 Contraindicated a SS for all antidepressants For MAOIs, increased MAO inhibition and risk of adverse reactions, SS, and HR g Amphetamines and methylphenidates and derivatives Contraindicated a HR Sympathomimetic drugs** …
Tranylcypromine label, contraindicationsCONTRAINDICATIONS Concomitant use or use in rapid succession with other MAOIs; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors; tricyclic antidepressants; sympathomimetic drugs; and numerous other drugs.
Source: FDA drug label (PARNATE), Advanz Pharma (US) Corp., effective July 2, 2025 (SPL set b72d8187-dfcc-4ea0-b5e9-c0be95b69a27), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Phenelzine | Tranylcypromine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | n/a | Depression |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.586 per tablet 15 mg tablet | $0.591 per tablet 10 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | No current entry | A presentation being discontinued |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once