Nardil (Phenelzine)

Name: Nardil
Brand: Searchlight Pharma
SKU: 1741
Availability: InStock

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Type:

Product: Nardil

Manufacturer: Searchlight Pharma

Country: Canada

Dosage: 15 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Nardil

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There is no generic product of Nardil.

Nardil Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on November 18, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Nardil and Phenelzine at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

The brand Nardil is manufactured by Searchlight Pharma in Canada.

Generic phenelzine is currently unavailable (at this pharmacy).

Dosage:

Nardil is commonly available in strength 15 mg tablets.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage:

Nardil (phenelzine) is a prescription medication used to treat specific types of depression in adults, especially when patients have not experienced relief from other, more common antidepressant drugs.

Mechanism of Action:
Nardil is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that permanently blocks the activity of two enzymes, Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO-A) and Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B), which break down monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain and body. By inhibiting these enzymes, Nardil prevents the breakdown and destruction of key mood-regulating chemicals—specifically serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine—leading to increased levels of these neurotransmitters. This higher availability in the synaptic space is believed to improve communication between nerve cells, helping to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, its full therapeutic effect may take several weeks to become noticeable.

Take Nardil exactly as prescribed by your doctor, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Nardil, it is essential to discuss all possible effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects of Nardil (phenelzine). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects – The following are some common side effects of Nardil; other side effects may also occur. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Constipation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up, known as orthostatic hypotension)
• Drowsiness (somnolence)
• Dry mouth
• Edema (swelling, typically of the ankles or legs)
• Fatigue or weakness
• Headache
• Insomnia or other sleep disturbances
• Sexual dysfunction (e.g., anorgasmia, ejaculatory disturbances, impotence)
• Weight gain

Other Potential Side Effects (less common):
• Blurred vision
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Jitteriness
• Muscle twitching or tremors
• Nervousness
• Paresthesia ("pins and needles" or tingling sensation)
• Sweating
• Urinary retention

Serious or rare side effects: These are but potentially severe side effects. Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
• Hypertensive Crisis: This is the most critical side effect, usually triggered by consuming tyramine-rich foods or interacting medications. Symptoms include:
o Cold sweats
o Neck stiffness or soreness
o Occipital headache (severe, sudden headache, often starting in the back of the head and radiating to the front) o Palpitation or rapid/slow heartbeat
o Nausea and vomiting
• Hypomania or Mania (in susceptible individuals, such as those with undiagnosed bipolar disorder).
• Liver Problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or abdominal pain.
• Seizures
• Serotonin Syndrome: A potentially life-threatening reaction, typically from drug interactions. Symptoms can include:
o Agitation or restlessness
o Confusion or delirium
o Fever (hyperthermia)
o Muscle rigidity and overactive reflexes
o Shivering or tremors
• Suicidality: New or worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, or thoughts of self-harm, particularly in young adults during the initial treatment phase or after dose changes.

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before taking Nardil, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Nardil should not be used under the following conditions:
• A tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma).
• Congestive heart failure.
• History of liver disease or abnormal liver function tests.
• Hypersensitivity to phenelzine or any of the product's ingredients.

Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, past and present, before starting Nardil. This is important because certain conditions might influence whether Nardil is suitable for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• Agitation or restlessness
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Epilepsy or a seizure disorder
• History of frequent or severe headaches
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Manic-depressive illness (Bipolar Disorder)
• Porphyria
• Schizophrenia
• Severe renal impairment or renal disease

Drug Interactions:

Before starting Nardil, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, please visit Pfizer's official prescribing information website: https://cdn.pfizer.com/pfizercom/products/uspi_nardil.pdf.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Nardil may interact with the following:

1. DANGEROUS DRUGS (NEVER MIX!)
Combining Nardil with these medications can cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure (Hypertensive Crisis) or a potentially fatal increase in brain chemicals (Serotonin Syndrome). You usually need to stop these drugs for 10 to 14 days before starting Nardil.
• Cold, Allergy, and Diet Pills: Anything with ingredients like Pseudoephedrine, Ephedrine, or Phenylephrine (these are "Sympathomimetic Amines" that spike blood pressure). ALWAYS check the label.
• Cough Syrups: Products containing Dextromethorphan (DM).
• Migraine Drugs: Medications in the Triptan class (e.g., Sumatriptan).
• Most Antidepressants: Especially SSRIs (like Prozac/Sertraline), SNRIs (like Venlafaxine), older TCAs, and Bupropion.
• Other MAOI Drugs: (These are drugs that work exactly like Nardil). This includes other antidepressants (like Tranylcypromine) and certain prescription drugs (like the antibiotic Linezolid).
• Stimulants: Amphetamines and diet pills (e.g., Phentermine).
• Strong Pain Meds: Certain opioids like Tramadol and Meperidine.

2. DANGEROUS FOODS (MANDATORY TYRAMINE DIET)
Certain aged or fermented foods contain high levels of Tyramine. Since Nardil blocks the enzyme that breaks Tyramine down, eating these foods can cause a severe, life-threatening hypertensive crisis. You must avoid them completely.
• Aged, Strong Cheeses: Cheddar, Parmesan, Blue Cheese, Gouda, and Swiss.
• Certain Alcohols: Tap beer, red wine (Chianti, port), sherry, and vermouth.
• Certain Beans/Veggies: Fava bean pods and sauerkraut.
• Cured/Processed Meats: Fermented or dry-aged sausage (salami, pepperoni), cured ham, aged or pickled fish/liver. (Avoid all processed meats unless the tyramine content is verified.)
• Fermented Soy: Soy sauce, miso, and soybean paste.
• Yeast Extracts & Products: Products like Marmite or Bovril, and Brewer's Yeast

3. HIGH CAUTION DRUGS (Require Doctor Approval)
These medications require careful monitoring or adjustment if you take Nardil, as they can cause excessive sedation or dangerous changes in blood pressure. • Anesthetics for Surgery: You must stop Nardil 2 weeks before any elective surgery requiring general anesthesia.
• Blood Pressure Drugs: Including Methyldopa and others (they can cause blood pressure to drop too low).
• Other Medications: Antihistamines and certain anticonvulsants (e.g., Carbamazepine).
• Sedatives & Sleep Aids: Including Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and sleeping pills (these cause severe drowsiness).
• Serotonin Supplements: St. John's Wort and L-Tryptophan.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Nardil (phenelzine) is generally not advised during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Its safety and impact on the fetus or infant have not been thoroughly studied, and it should only be used if a doctor determines that the mother's severe symptoms require treatment and that the benefits clearly outweigh the uncertain risks.
• During Pregnancy: A significant concern is the high risk of a Hypertensive Crisis due to Nardil's MAOI activity, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
• When Breastfeeding: Because the drug's presence in breast milk is unknown, and its powerful mechanism carries inherent risk, other antidepressants with well-established safety data are usually preferred. Any decision to use Nardil during this time requires prompt, careful discussion with a healthcare provider.

Use in Children:

Nardil (phenelzine) is generally considered unsafe for children and teenagers and is not approved by regulatory agencies for use in younger groups. The caution is based on three main reasons:
• Lack of Data. The primary reason is the lack of clinical studies demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in patients under 18 years old.
• Dietary/Drug Risk: Nardil presents a serious risk of Hypertensive Crisis due to interactions with common foods and many OTC and prescription drugs, making it hard for younger patients to follow the strict dietary and medication rules consistently.
• Suicidality Warning: Like other antidepressants, Nardil carries a warning that it may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults, especially when starting treatment or adjusting the dose.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nardil at Canada Pharmacy Online:

Why is Nardil more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Nardil, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower prices than in the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is dedicated to providing you with the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784 for more information or to learn about the ordering process. Visit our How to Order page for details.

Can I buy Nardil over the counter from you?

No, Nardil requires a prescription from your doctor. We are unable to sell this product without a valid prescription from your doctor.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Blog Post:

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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