WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors In Adolescents And Young
Adults
In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of
antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included
approximately 77,000 adult patients and 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence
of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24
years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients. There was
considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs,
but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs
studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and
behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in
patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of
suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table
2.
Table 2: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients of
Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of
Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients
Age Range |
Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated |
Increases Compared to Placebo |
<18 years old |
14 additional patients |
18-24 years old |
5 additional patients |
Decreases Compared to Placebo |
25-64 years old |
1 fewer patient |
≥65 years old |
6 fewer patients |
It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and
behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term
use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from
placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay
the recurrence of depression and that depression itself is a risk factor for
suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for any
indication for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and
behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy, and at
times of dosage changes. Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to
monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider
changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing PARNATE, in
patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent
suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Hypertensive Crisis And Hypertension
Hypertensive Crisis
MAOIs, including PARNATE, 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].
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 PARNATE and for 2 weeks after
stopping PARNATE [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Careful evaluation of the
benefits and risks of PARNATE 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.
In all patients taking PARNATE, 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 PARNATE,
other drugs, foods or beverages suspected to contribute to the hypertensive
crisis immediately [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
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 PARNATE, in
patients not ingesting tyramine-rich foods or beverages. Assess blood pressure
before prescribing PARNATE and closely monitor blood pressure in all patients
taking PARNATE.
Serotonin Syndrome
The development of a potentially life-threatening
serotonin syndrome has been reported with MAOIs when used concomitantly with
other serotonergic drugs. Such drugs include SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic
antidepressants, triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone,
St. John's wort, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e), and other MAOIs used to treat
nonpsychiatric disorders (such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue).
Manifestations of the serotonin syndrome may include
mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, coma),
autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness,
diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia; with possible rapid fluctuations of vital
signs), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyper-reflexia,
incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea). Fatal outcome of serotonin syndrome has been reported,
including in patients who had been treated with PARNATE. In some cases of an
interaction between PARNATE and SSRIs or SNRIs, the features of the syndrome
resembled neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
The concomitant use, or use in rapid succession, of
PARNATE with other serotonergic drugs is contraindicated. However, there may be
circumstances when treatment with other serotonergic substances (such as
linezolid or intravenous methylene blue) is necessary and cannot be delayed. In
such cases, PARNATE must be discontinued as soon as possible before initiating
treatment with the other agent.
Treatment with PARNATE and any concomitant serotonergic
agents should be discontinued immediately if the above events occur, and
supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated.
Activation Of Mania Or Hypomania
In patients with bipolar disorder, treating a depressive
episode with PARNATE or another antidepressant may precipitate a mixed/manic
episode. Prior to initiating treatment with PARNATE, screen patients for any
personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.
Hypotension
Hypotension, including postural hypotension, has been
observed during therapy with PARNATE. At doses above 30 mg daily, postural
hypotension is a major adverse reaction and may result in syncope. Symptoms of
postural hypotension are seen most commonly, but not exclusively, in patients
with pre-existing hypertension. Blood pressure usually returns rapidly to
pretreatment levels upon discontinuation of PARNATE.
Dosage increases should be made more gradually in
patients with a tendency toward hypotension and/or postural hypotension (e.g.,
elderly patients) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Use In Specific
Populations]. Such patients should be closely observed for postural changes
in blood pressure throughout treatment. Also, when PARNATE is used
concomitantly with other agents known to cause hypotension, the possibility of
additive hypotensive effects should be considered [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Postural hypotension may be relieved by having patients lie down until blood
pressure returns to normal.
Hypotension And Hypertension During Anesthesia And Perioperative
Care
It is recommended that PARNATE be discontinued at least
10 days prior to elective surgery. If this is not possible, for general
anesthesia, regional and local anesthesia, and perioperative care avoid the use
of agents that are contraindicated for concomitant use with PARNATE. Carefully
consider the risk of agents and techniques that increase the risk for
hypotension (e.g., epidural or spinal anesthesia) or other adverse reactions to
PARNATE (e.g., hypertension associated with the use of vasoconstrictors in
local anesthetics).
Need For Emergency Treatment With Contraindicated Drugs
If in the absence of therapeutic alternatives emergency
treatment with a contraindicated product (e.g., linezolid, intravenous
methylene blue, direct-acting sympathomimetic drugs such as epinephrine)
becomes necessary and cannot be delayed, discontinue PARNATE as soon as
possible before initiating treatment with the other product and monitor closely
for adverse reactions [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Discontinuation Syndrome
Abrupt discontinuation or dosage reduction of PARNATE has
been associated with the appearance of new symptoms that include dizziness,
nausea, headache, irritability, insomnia, diarrhea, anxiety, fatigue, abnormal
dreams, and hyperhidrosis. In general, discontinuation events occurred more
frequently with longer duration of therapy.
There have been spontaneous reports of adverse reactions
occurring upon discontinuation of MAOIs, particularly when abrupt, including
dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g.
paresthesia, such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache,
lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, and seizures.
While these reactions are generally self-limiting, there have been reports of
prolonged discontinuation symptoms.
Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when
discontinuing treatment with PARNATE. A gradual reduction in the dose rather
than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible [see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Risk Of Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions Due To Persistence
Of MAO Inhibition After Discontinuation
Although excretion of PARNATE is rapid, inhibition of MAO
may persist up to 10 days following discontinuation. This should be taken into
account when considering the use of potentially interacting substances or the
consumption of tyramine-rich food or beverages [see DRUG INTERACTIONS],
or when interpreting adverse reactions observed after discontinuation of
PARNATE. Care should be taken to differentiate symptoms of persistent MAO
inhibition from withdrawal symptoms [see Drug Abuse And Dependence].
Hepatotoxicity
Hepatitis and elevated aminotransferases have been
reported in association with PARNATE administration. Patients should be
monitored accordingly. PARNATE should be discontinued in patients who develop
signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity.
Sedation has occurred in PARNATE-treated patients with
cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis receiving PARNATE should be monitored for
possible increased risks of central nervous system adverse reactions, such as
excessive drowsiness.
Seizures
Seizures have been reported with PARNATE withdrawal after
abuse, and with overdose. Patients at risk for seizures should be monitored
accordingly.
Hypoglycemia In Diabetic Patients
Some MAOIs have contributed to hypoglycemic episodes in
diabetic patients receiving insulin or other blood-glucose-lowering agents.
Monitor blood glucose in patients receiving both PARNATE and
blood-glucose-lowering agents. A reduction of the dosage of such agents may be
necessary [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]
Aggravation Of Coexisting Symptoms Of Depression
PARNATE may aggravate coexisting symptoms in depression,
such as anxiety and agitation.
Adverse Effects On The Ability To Drive And Operate
Machinery
Some PARNATE adverse reactions (e.g., hypotension, faintness,
drowsiness, confusion, disorientation) can impair a patient's ability to
operate machinery or use an automobile. Patients should be cautioned about
operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably
certain that PARNATE therapy does not impair their ability to engage in such
activities.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read FDA-approved patient labeling
(Medication Guide).
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].
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]
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]
Interaction With Other Drugs And Dietary Supplements
[see CONTRAINDICATIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS]
- 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 PARNATE.
- Advise the patient to inform other physicians,
pharmacists, and dentists about the treatment with PARNATE.
Interaction With Foods And Beverages
[see CONTRAINDICATIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS]
- 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.
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 and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Withdrawal Symptoms
Warn the patient not to stop PARNATE treatment abruptly,
as withdrawal symptoms may occur and that the effect of PARNATE may continue
even after discontinuation [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS].
Aggravation Of Coexisting Symptoms Of Depression
Inform the patient that PARNATE 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].
Effects On Ability To Drive Or Use Machinery
[see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS]
- 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.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis,
Impairment Of Fertility
No carcinogenesis, mutagenesis,
or fertility impairment studies were conducted.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are limited published reports of placental
infarction and congenital anomalies in association with use of PARNATE during
pregnancy; however, these reports may not adequately inform the presence or
absence of drug-associated risk with the use of PARNATE 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 PARNATE and drugs or procedures (e.g., epidural anesthesia) should be
taken into account in women who have received PARNATE [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG
INTERACTIONS].
Lactation
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 PARNATE.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of PARNATE in the pediatric
population have not been established. All risks associated with the use of
PARNATE, including the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, apply to adults
and pediatric patients [see BOXED WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Geriatric Use
Older patients may be at greater risk of postural
hypotension and other serious adverse reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In general, dose selection for an
elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the
dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or
cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.