Tranylcypromine sulfate

What Tranylcypromine sulfate is used for

Quoted from the “Indications and Usage” section of the FDA-approved label.

Tranylcypromine sulfate tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult patients who have not responded adequately to other antidepressants. Tranylcypromine sulfate tablets are not indicated for the initial treatment of MDD due to the potential for serious adverse reactions and drug interactions, and the need for dietary restrictions […]. …

— FDA label: Tranylcypromine Sulfate, Actavis Pharma, Inc., effective July 25, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Label quoted: the one for the most common form (tablet, film coated, oral), Tranylcypromine Sulfate, Actavis Pharma, Inc.; it covers 1 product in the FDA NDC Directory. The side effects, interactions, dosage and pregnancy quotes below come from this same label.

The FDA has 6 labels for products of this medicine (different makers and forms); uses can differ between them. Check the label that comes with your own medicine.

This page is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine.

Conditions named on the label

These condition names appear word for word in the label’s “Indications and Usage” text (matched with a reviewed table). Each page lists hospitals whose own websites name the condition.

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Boxed warning

A boxed warning (“black box”) is the FDA’s strongest warning on a drug label, for serious or life-threatening risks.

This label has a boxed warning. Read it on the full label →

6 of 6 FDA labels for this medicine have a boxed warning.

Tranylcypromine sulfate boxed warning: what the label says

Quoted from the boxed warning of the FDA-approved label.

WARNING:SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS and HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS WITH SIGNIFICANT TYRAMINE USE Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

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Tranylcypromine sulfate tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. Hypertensive Crisis with Significant Tyramine Use Excessive consumption of foods or beverages with significant tyramine content or the use of certain drugs with tranylcypromine sulfate tablets or after tranylcypromine sulfate tablets discontinuation can precipitate hypertensive crisis. Monitor blood pressure and allow for medication-free intervals between administration of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets and interacting drugs. Instruct patients to avoid ingestion of foods and beverages with high tyramine content [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2)]. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS AND HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS WITH SIGNIFICANT TYRAMINE USE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Tranylcypromine sulfate tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients. (5.1, 8.4) Excessive consumption of foods or beverages with significant tyramine content or certain drugs can precipitate hypertensive crisis. Monitor blood pressure, allow for medication free intervals, and advise patients to avoid foods and beverages with high tyramine content. (5.2, 7.1, 7.2) MEDICATION GUIDE TRANYLCYPROMINE SULFATE (tran-ill-SIP-row-meen SULL-fate) TABLETS What is the most important information I should know about tranylcypromine sulfate tablets? Tranylcypromine sulfate tabletscan cause serious side effects including: Increase in suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment and when the tranylcypromine sulfate tablet dose is changed. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have, or have a family history of, bipolar illness (also called manic-depressive illness) or suicidal thoughts or actions. Tranylcypromine sulfate tablets are not for use in children. How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions? Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. Call the healthcare provider right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled.

— FDA label: Tranylcypromine Sulfate, Actavis Pharma, Inc., effective July 25, 2025. This is part of the section. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Tranylcypromine sulfate side effects

Quoted from the “Adverse Reactions” section of the FDA-approved label. Tell your doctor about any side effect that worries you.

The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hypertensive crisis and hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Activation of mania/hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Hypotension and hypertension during anesthesia and perioperative care [see …

— FDA label: Tranylcypromine Sulfate, Actavis Pharma, Inc., effective July 25, 2025. This is part of the section. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Tranylcypromine sulfate drug interactions

Quoted from the “Drug Interactions” section of the FDA-approved label. Tell your pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.

See Full Prescribing Information for a list of products, foods and beverages that can interact with tranylcypromine sulfate tablets (7) 7.1 Clinically Significant Drug Interactions Tables 3 and 4 lists drug classes and individual products, respectively, with a potential for interaction with tranylcypromine sulfate tablets, describes the predominant observed or anticipated risks, and provides advice on concomitant use.

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Given serious adverse reactions with multiple agents, patients should avoid taking over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements without prior consultation with a healthcare provider able to provide advice on the potential for interactions. Time to Start Tranylcypromine Sulfate Tablets after Discontinuation of a Contraindicated Drug For products that are contraindicated with tranylcypromine sulfate tablets, a time period of 4 to 5 half-lives of the other product or any active metabolite should elapse before starting treatment with tranylcypromine sulfate tablets. After stopping treatment with an MAO inhibitor antidepressant, a time period of at least 1 week or 4 to 5 half-lives of the other MAO inhibitor (whichever is longer) should elapse before starting treatment with tranylcypromine sulfate tablets because of the risk for clinically significant adverse reactions after discontinuation due to persistent MAO inhibition [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. This period can be several weeks long (e.g., a minimum of 5 weeks for fluoxetine given fluoxetine's long half-life). Refer to the prescribing information of the contraindicated product for relevant information. Time to Start Contraindicated Drug after Discontinuation of Tranylcypromine Sulfate Tablets The potential for interactions persists after discontinuation of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets until MAO activity has sufficiently recovered. Inhibition of MAO may persist up to 10 days following discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. After stopping tranylcypromine sulfate tablets, at least 1 week should elapse before starting another MAOI (intended to treat MDD) or other contraindicated antidepressants. Refer to the prescribing information of any agent considered for subsequent use for recommendations on the duration of a waiting period after discontinuation of a MAO inhibitor. 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 sulfate tablets as soon as possible before initiating treatment with the other agent, and monitor closely for adverse reactions.

— FDA label: Tranylcypromine Sulfate, Actavis Pharma, Inc., effective July 25, 2025. This is part of the section. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Tranylcypromine sulfate dosage

Quoted from the “Dosage and Administration” section of the FDA-approved label. Your own dose is the one your doctor prescribes: do not change it on your own.

Recommended daily dosage is 30 mg in divided doses (2.1) If no adequate response, increase dosage in increments of 10 mg per day every 1 to 3 weeks to a maximum dosage of 30 mg twice daily (60 mg per day).Consider more gradual dosage increases in patients at risk for hypotension (2.1) Consider discontinuing tranylcypromine sulfate tablets therapy gradually because of the risk for withdrawal effects (2.3, 5.8, 9.3) Switching from or to other MAOIs or other antidepressants: See full prescribing information for instructions (2.2, 7.1) 2.1 Recommended Dosage Tranylcypromine sulfate tablets are for oral use.

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The recommended dosage is 30 mg per day (in divided doses). If patients do not have an adequate response, increase the dosage in increments of 10 mg per day every 1 to 3 weeks to a maximum 30 mg twice daily (60 mg per day). Dosage increases should be made more gradually in patients at risk for hypotension (e.g., geriatric patients) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. 2.2 Switching to or from Other Antidepressants Switching from Contraindicated Antidepressants to Tranylcypromine Sulfate Tablets After stopping treatment with contraindicated antidepressants, a time period of 4 to 5 half-lives of the other antidepressant or any active metabolite should elapse before starting treatment with tranylcypromine sulfate tablets. After stopping treatment with an MAO inhibitor antidepressant, a time period of at least one week or 4 to 5 half-lives of the other MAO inhibitor (whichever is longer) should elapse before starting treatment with tranylcypromine sulfate tablets to reduce the risk of additive effects [see Contraindications (4.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Switching from Tranylcypromine Sulfate Tablets to Other MAOIs or Contraindicated Antidepressants After stopping tranylcypromine sulfate tablets treatment, at least one week should elapse before starting another MAOI (intended to treat MDD) or other contraindicated antidepressants.Refer to the prescribing information of the subsequently used drug for product-specific advice on a medication-free interval [see Contraindications (4.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1)]. 2.3 Discontinuing Treatment Withdrawal effects, including delirium, have been reported with abrupt discontinuation of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets therapy. Higher daily doses and longer duration of use appear to be associated with a higher risk of withdrawal effects. Consider discontinuing tranylcypromine sulfate tablets therapy by slow, gradual dosage reduction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)]. 2.4 Screen for Bipolar Disorder and Elevated Blood Pressure Prior to Starting Tranylcypromine Sulfate Tablets Prior to initiating treatment with tranylcypromine sulfate tablets: Screen patients for a history of mania [see Warnings and Precautions(5.4)]. Measure blood pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.5)].

— FDA label: Tranylcypromine Sulfate, Actavis Pharma, Inc., effective July 25, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Tranylcypromine sulfate in pregnancy

Quoted from the pregnancy part of the FDA-approved label. Ask your doctor before you take any medicine while pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Risk Summary There are limited published reports of placental infarction and congenital anomalies in association with use of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets during pregnancy; however, these reports may not adequately inform the presence or absence of drug-associated risk with the use of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets during pregnancy.

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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 tranylcypromine sulfate tablets and drugs or procedures (e.g., epidural anesthesia) should be taken into account in women who have received tranylcypromine sulfate tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Drug Interactions (7.1)].

— FDA label: Tranylcypromine Sulfate, Actavis Pharma, Inc., effective July 25, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →

When Tranylcypromine sulfate should not be used

Quoted from the “Contraindications” section of the FDA-approved label.

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.

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See Full Prescribing Information for the full list of contraindicated products (4.1, 7.1) Pheochromocytoma, other catecholamine-releasing paraganglioma (4.2) 4.1 Combination with Certain Drugs Concomitant use of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets or use in rapid succession with the products in Table 1 is contraindicated. Such use may cause severe or life-threatening reactions such as hypertensive crises or serotonin syndrome [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Medication-free periods between administration of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets and contraindicated agents are recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Table 1: Products Contraindicated with the Use of Tranylcypromine Sulfate Tablets Drug Classes Non-selective H1 receptor antagonists Antidepressants including but not limited to: Other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) Tricyclic antidepressants Other antidepressants (e.g., amoxapine, bupropion, maprotiline, nefazodone, trazodone, vilazodone, vortioxetine) Amphetamines and methylphenidates and derivatives Sympathomimetic products (e.g., cold, hay fever or weight reducing products that contain vasoconstrictors such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and ephedrine; or dietary supplements that contain sympathomimetics) Triptans Individual Drugs (not included in the above classes) buspirone levodopa s-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e) carbamazepine meperidine tapentadol cyclobenzaprine methyldopa tetrabenazine dextromethorphan milnacipran tryptophan dopamine rasagiline hydroxytryptophan reserpine 4.2 Pheochromocytoma and Catecholamine-Releasing Paragangliomas Tranylcypromine sulfate tablets are contraindicated in the presence of pheochromocytoma or other catecholamine-releasing paragangliomas because such tumors secrete pressor substances and can lead to hypertensive crisis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

— FDA label: Tranylcypromine Sulfate, Actavis Pharma, Inc., effective July 25, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Tranylcypromine sulfate overdose

Quoted from the “Overdosage” section of the FDA-approved label. If someone may have taken too much, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (or 911 in an emergency).

Overdosage Symptoms, Signs and Laboratory Abnormalities Overdose of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets can cause the adverse reactions generally associated with tranylcypromine sulfate tablets administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5), Adverse Reactions (6) and Drug Interactions (7.1)]. However, these reactions may be more severe, including fatal reactions.

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Effects reported with overdosage of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets and/or other MAOIs include: Insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety, progressing in severe cases to agitation, mental confusion, and incoherence; delirium; seizures Hypotension, dizziness, weakness, and drowsiness, progressing in severe cases to extreme dizziness and shock Hypertension with severe headache and other symptoms/complications Twitching or myoclonic fibrillation of skeletal muscles, with hyperpyrexia, sometimes progressing to generalized rigidity and coma 10.2 Overdosage Management There are no specific antidotes for tranylcypromine sulfate tablets. For current information on the management of poisoning or overdosage, contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Abrupt withdrawal of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets following overdosage can precipitate withdrawal symptoms, including delirium [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)]. Medical management should normally consist of general supportive measures, close observation of vital signs, and steps to counteract specific manifestations as they occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5)]. The toxic effects of tranylcypromine sulfate tablets may be delayed or prolonged following the last dose of the drug [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Therefore, the patient should be closely observed for at least 1 week. Data on the dialyzability of tranylcypromine are lacking.

— FDA label: Tranylcypromine Sulfate, Actavis Pharma, Inc., effective July 25, 2025. Read the full label on DailyMed →

Forms and how it is given

Companies that list this medicine

Labelers in the FDA NDC Directory: the company named on the package (maker or distributor), with the number of prescription products.

• Actavis Pharma, Inc.1 product
• Solco Healthcare US, LLC1 product
• Advanz Pharma (US) Corp.1 product
• Novitium Pharma LLC1 product
• Strides Pharma Science Limited1 product
• Remedyrepack Inc.1 product

FDA approval history

• NDA: New Drug Application: how a new (usually brand-name) medicine is approved.
• ANDA: Abbreviated New Drug Application: how a generic version is approved.

Generic approvals (3)

• ANDA040640Strides Pharma Intl · June 29, 2006
• ANDA206856Novitium Pharma · April 17, 2018
• ANDA213503Crossmedika SA · June 27, 2022

Shortage status

The FDA drug shortage list does not show these products.

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Recalls

No recall linked to these products (by their NDC code) appears in the FDA enforcement reports.

Official identifiers

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• Major Depressive DisorderCondition named on the label: hospitals that treat it
• Actavis Pharma, Inc.Maker or distributor
• Solco Healthcare US, LLCMaker or distributor
• Advanz Pharma (US) Corp.Maker or distributor
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Sources

1. FDA-approved label on DailyMed (National Library of Medicine) — Tranylcypromine Sulfate, Actavis Pharma, Inc., effective July 25, 2025; via openFDA, FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
2. NDC Directory (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
3. Drugs@FDA (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
4. Drug recall enforcement reports (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 27, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
5. Drug shortages (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026

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