moclobemide at a glance
Medicine class
Reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A (RIMA).
Licensed uses
Major depression; selected Manerix is also licensed for social phobia.
Taking tablets
Take orally at the end of a meal, with water.
Food
A strict traditional MAOI diet is not usually needed, but avoid large quantities of tyramine-rich foods.
What is moclobemide used for?
Licensing differs between selected products.
Major depression: licensed for both selected products.
Social phobia: licensed for selected Manerix, but not listed for the selected generic product.
How does moclobemide work?
Moclobemide temporarily and preferentially blocks monoamine oxidase type A, reducing the breakdown of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. This increases their availability between nerve cells involved in mood and anxiety regulation.
moclobemide preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg
How to take moclobemide
Follow the prescription label and product leaflet.
Take tablets at the end of a meal.
Swallow with water.
Do not stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
Check the exact product leaflet before splitting a tablet, as scoring differs between products.
moclobemide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea or dry mouth
- Agitation, anxiety, restlessness or irritability
- Vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Pins and needles or numbness
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- Serotonin syndrome, particularly with interacting medicines
- Severe allergic swelling or breathing difficulty
- Mania or marked behavioural change
- Confusion, severe drowsiness or seizures that could indicate low blood sodium
- Fainting or symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm
moclobemide in pregnancy
Human pregnancy safety data are very limited. Treatment requires an individual assessment of the benefits of controlling illness against possible fetal risk. Discuss pregnancy planning or a positive test promptly, and do not stop treatment without advice.
moclobemide while breastfeeding
Only a small amount appears to enter breast milk, but clinical experience and infant-outcome evidence remain limited. The decision should consider treatment need and the infant’s age, health and prematurity, with prescriber or specialist review.
moclobemide interactions
Moclobemide has clinically important interactions, including with non-prescription and herbal products.
SSRIs and other serotonergic antidepressants
Co-administration is contraindicated because severe serotonin toxicity may occur; switching requires a medicine-specific gap.
Pethidine or tramadol
Do not combine because of the risk of serious serotonergic reactions.
Common questions about moclobemide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can moclobemide be used for social anxiety?
Selected Manerix is licensed for social phobia. The selected generic product lists major depressive episodes only, so the prescribed product matters.
Does moclobemide require a special diet?
Usually not to the extent required with irreversible MAO inhibitors, but avoid large quantities of mature cheese, yeast extract and fermented soya products.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.