Sample of the text from a UKPPG leaflet - the actual layout is rather better but this should give some idea of the content and level

MOCLOBEMIDE (MANERIX)

Moc - low - bem - ide

Why have I been prescribed moclobemide ?

About one person in every five suffers from depression at some time in their life. You can feel sad and often your mood is low. Sometimes you may lack energy or lose interest in your job or hobbies. You may also find it hard to get to sleep or wake up earlier than usual. If you are depressed, these symptoms last for weeks on end and your normal daily routine is upset. Antidepressants such as moclobemide can help.

What exactly is moclobemide ?

Moclobemide is not a tranquilliser or sleeping tablet. It is an antidepressant.

Three main groups of medicines are available to treat depression. Moclobemide belongs to a group of medicines called the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (or MAOIs). Moclobemide is a special kind of MAOI. It is just as effective in doing its job as the other groups of antidepressants. Thousands of people with depression have taken moclobemide and can now lead normal lives.

Is moclobemide safe to take ?

Moclobemide is safe if taken as directed but it doesn't suit everyone. Below are some conditions where moclobemide should not normally be used. Just get in touch with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:-

(a) if you have Parkinson's disease or phaeochromocytoma, or suffer from heart or liver trouble;

(b) if you are taking any other medication. This includes medicine from your chemist. See the question on "medicines to avoid" later on;

(c) if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or wish to become pregnant.

How should I take my moclobemide ?

Look at your medicine packet - it has your doctor's instructions on it. Follow these directions very carefully. Always take your dose after food and with a full glass of water. Never be tempted to change the dose yourself. If you forget a dose, take the next one as soon as you remember, as long as it is only a few hours after the usual time.

Are there any foods or drinks that I should avoid ?

Some foods can cause problems for people on moclobemide. For example: cheese, pâté, pickled herrings, yeast extracts (Oxo, Marmite, Bovril, Twiglets), broad bean pods, Chianti wine and home-brewed beer. Moclobemide is usually safe to take with these foods and drinks. However, it is still best to avoid eating or drinking large amounts of them. Ask your doctor or chemist if you have any worries.

Are there any medicines that I should avoid or take care with ?

Ask your chemist or doctor before you buy anything for a cough, cold, the flu, hay fever or catarrh. Moclobemide should be safe with these medicines, but ask to make sure. You must not take anything containing codeine, for example Veganin, Paracodol, or Solpadeine. If you take cimetidine (Tagamet), your dose of moclobemide may need to be changed. Always get advice if you are not sure.

What will happen to me when I start taking moclobemide ?

You may feel more on edge for the first week or so. Moclobemide may also affect your sleep. You probably won't feel any lifting of your mood for at least two weeks, but don't give up. You should feel more calm and able to concentrate more after a couple of weeks. Good days will be followed by bad days - this is quite normal. Eventually, you should have fewer and fewer days when you feel sad. Give your moclobemide a chance to work.

It's a bit of a nuisance, but you might get some side-effects before your mood gets any better. Most of these are quite mild and should go away after a week or so. Look at the table below. It tells you what to do if you get any side-effects. Not everyone will get the side-effects shown.

What about alcohol ?

Taking moclobemide with alcohol can make some people feel very drowsy. It's best to avoid alcohol for the first few days or so. After this, try a glass of your normal drink. If you feel O.K., you should be able to drink in moderation. Judge for yourself how you feel. Be extra careful if driving. Don't stop taking your moclobemide just because you fancy a drink at the weekend.

When I feel better, can I stop taking it ?

No. This can bring back your original symptoms. You and your doctor should decide together when you can come off it. Most people need to be on moclobemide for at least 4 - 6 months after they feel better, often much longer. This is not thought to be harmful. Moclobemide is not addictive.

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Many developments have been as a result of feedback from visitors.

No site can be entirely bias-free. No matter how hard someone tries, training and background will always influence your outlook. We have, however, tried to eliminate bias, and we hope you take these pages in the spirit in which they are provided i.e. a genuine attempt to inform, educate and support.

Information here is based on published data. References include the UK British National Formulary (BNF, published by the British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain), Martindale (the extra pharmacopoea, published by RPSGB Pharmaceutical Press), Psychotropic Drug Directory (latest edition), Data Sheet Compendium (UK Manufacturers Data Sheets, published by the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry), MicroMedex (an independent and extensive CD-ROM based drug information source), UK Psychiatric Pharmacy Group leaflets, Royal College of Psychiatrists advice and guidelines and the current medical literature. Thanks also to all those people who left e-mail comments, suggestions and requests, who have helped shape the site.