Mental depression has become a hot issue in the close circle of mental health professionals, alarmed at the sheer number of patients riddled with this mental disorder. Marplan is one drug many mental depressive people are placing their hope and trust on. Marplan has proved to be a proficient manager of depressive thoughts and moods.

Marplan – Summary:
Marplan (Isocarboxazid) is an antidepressant that comes under the class of drugs called Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Marplan is one of the most popular drugs that can quicken the pace of recovery from mental depression. Marplan is generally misunderstood by people as a drug for the complete treatment of depression, whereas Marplan can only relieve you from the symptoms of the disorder. Marplan may have adverse side effects to people under specific circumstances, so it is best to consult your doctor before taking the drug.

Marplan Mechanism:
Marplan is a non-selective hydrazine Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor. Scientists believe that this drug basically works by inhibiting or suppressing the working of the chemical substance called Monoamine Oxidase in the central nervous system. Though the complete mechanism of the action of Marplan has not been properly established, the drug is thought to elevate the level of biogenic amines in the brain. This helps in suppressing the chemicals that cause mental depression.

Marplan Safety Measures:
The use of Marplan may be associated with certain risks and jeopardy. So, it is best to digest all the warnings, precautions and other drug safety information before taking the drug. Marplan shouldn’t be given to children, older adults, and pregnant or breast feeding women. Always check if you’re allergic to Marplan and its class of drugs. It would be good to stay away from certain dietary habits like,

• Alcohol, beer or wine
• Fermented food
• Smoked meat or poultry
• Overripe fruits
• Yeast extracts
• Caffeine containing beverages like coffee, chocolate etc.

A talk with a qualified physician is necessary in case you have any of the following medical conditions or problems:

• Chest pain
• Seizures
• History of alcohol abuse
• Heart diseases
• Liver problems
• Renal problems
• Blood diseases
• Mental illness
• High blood pressure
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Diabetes
• Overactive thyroid

Always keep in mind that the effect of Marplan can change drastically with the following medicines:

• Antidepressants
• Amphetamines
• MAO Inhibitors
• Tricyclics
• Medicine for cold and sinus
• Asthma medicaments
• Appetite suppressants
• Buspirone
• Dextromethorphan
• Trazodone
• Cocaine
• Trypthophan
• Insulin and other anti-diabetics

Marplan Dosage and Usage:

• Marplan is available in the form of oral tablets of 10 mg
• Marplan comes in containers of 100 tablets each
• Marplan dosage may differ from one individual to the other
• 10 mg twice daily is the ideal starting dose
• 10 mg may be increased every 2 to 4 days according to the degree of tolerance
• 60 mg is the maximum recommended dosage
• Dosage for children under 16 years should be determined only by a doctor.
• Don’t double dose in case you have missed a dose
• Contact emergency of the nearest medical center for overdose problems
• One shouldn’t chew or crush Marplan, but swallow it

Marplan Storage:

• Store Marplan away from the reach of children
• Store Marplan away from direct heat and light
• Store Marplan away from moist and damp places
• Discard outdated Marplan tablets
• Store Marplan in its original air tight containers.

Marplan Side Effects:
The moderate and harmful side effects of Marplan may occur to a person taking the drug. But it doesn’t mean that the side effects would happen to everyone taking Marplan. Some of the common side effects of Marplan are:

• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Dizziness
• Lightheartedness
• Weight gain
• Sweating
• Sexual problems

The other less common side effects of Marplan are:

• Diarrhea
• Nervousness
• Fever
• Swelling of feet
• Unusual heart pounding
• Dark urine
• Skin rash
• Yellowish eye and skin
• Indistinct speech
• Chills
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Decreased appetite