Home :: Marplan :: Adverse Effects

Marplan Antidepressant : Carbamazepine

Brand Name : Carbamazepine

ISOCARBOXAZID (Marplan®) belongs to a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Isocarboxazid increases the level of certain chemicals in the brain that help fight depression and other mood problems, including certain anxiety disorders. Isocarboxazid can interact with certain foods and other medicines to cause unpleasant side effects. You must know what foods and medicines to avoid (see below). Generic isocarboxazid tablets are not yet available.

Uses of Marplan

• Isocarboxazid is an antidepressant (monoamine oxidase inhibitor). This medication treats depression by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Isocarboxazid can improve your mood and feelings of well-being.
• Usually, this medication is used in persons who have not responded to treatment with other drugs.

How to Take Marplan

• Elderly patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and should use this medicine with caution.
• Take this medication by mouth, usually 2 to 4 times a day as directed by your doctor.
• This medication may be taken with or without food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy and usually will not be more than 60 milligrams per day.

What are the Side Effects of Marplan Medication

Some side effects include:

• headaches
• palpitation
• neck stiffness
• nausea or vomiting
• sweating (fevers or clammy skin)
• photophobia
• tachycardia
• bradycardia
• constricting chest pain
• dilated pupils
• intracranial bleeding and increased blood pressure.

Warnings and precautions before taking Marplan Medication

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur , especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help . When you get up from lying down, sit on the edge of the bed with your feet dangling for 1 or 2 minutes. Then stand up slowly. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause blurred vision or make some people drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are unable to see well or are not alert .
• If you have heart disease, this medication may mask chest pain. Avoid strenuous exercise while taking this medication.

What drugs may interact with Marplan Tablet

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious (possibly fatal) interactions may occur:

• other antidepressants (e.g., TCAs such as amitriptyline/nortriptyline, nefazodone, SSRIs such as citalopram/fluoxetine/paroxetine, venlafaxine)
• appetite suppressants (e.g., diethylpropion, sibutramine)
• drugs for attention deficit disorder (e.g., atomoxetine, methylphenidate)
• certain antihistamines (e.g. azatadine)
• bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, salmeterol)
• bupropion
• buspirone
• carbamazepine
• cyclobenzaprine
• dextromethorphan
• certain drugs for glaucoma (e.g., apraclonidine, brimonidine)
• certain drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., guanethidine, methyldopa)
• other MAO inhibitors

What to do if you take Overdose of Marplan ?

Propoxyphene overdose is characterized by slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness progressing to stupor or coma, limp muscles, or cold, clammy skin. Severe propoxyphene overdose may result in death due to cardiac arrest or stopped breathing.

How to Store Marplan ?

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.