Introduction to Tranylcypromine

Tranylcypromine is reserved for individuals who have not responded adequately to other antidepressants because of risk of hypertensive crisis and stroke when combined with certain medications or tyramine containing foods. Individuals taking tranylcypromine must follow a low-tyramine diet for the duration of treatment and 14 days after stopping treatment. Tranylcypromine is a substituted amphetamine, and accordingly it can have stimulating effects. Tranylcypromine cannot be combined with most other antidepressants, stimulants, dextromethorphan, and other medications that increase the amount of serotonin or dopamine in the brain. The standard dose of tranylcypromine is 30 to 60 mg per day in divided doses. Abuse of tranylcypromine has been reported, with users taking over 100 mg per day for stimulating and euphoric effects. Tranylcypromine should be discontinued gradually to avoid risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Tranylcypromine 10 mg

Using Tranylcypromine

Ways of Administration

Oral, 10 mg tablets.

Effects of Tranylcypromine

Positive

- reduction in depression
- increased energy
- increased focus

Negative

- excessive stimulation may lead to insomnia
- orthostatic hypotension/dizziness
- risk of hypertensive crisis due to drug or food interactions
- hypomania or mania in sensitive individuals
- psychosis in sensitive individuals

Pharmacology of Tranylcypromine

Nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitor; may inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for the breakdown of serotonin, epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine, in turn causing an increase in endogenous concentrations of these neurtransmitters.

Half-life: 1.5 to 3 hours
Onset of effects: 2 days to 3 weeks[1]

Chemistry of Tranylcypromine

Column 1	Column 2
Systematic (IUPAC) name:	(1R*,2S*)-2-phenylcyclopropanamine
Synonyms:	SKF-385; Parnate, Tycilprine (sulfate)
Molecular Formula:	C9H11N
Molar mass:	133.19 g/mol, 168,64 g/mol (hydrochloride), 364.46 g/mol (sulfate, Tranylcypromine.H2SO4)
CAS Registry Number:	155-09-9, 13492-01-8 (sulfate)
Melting Point:	164-166°C (hydrochloride)
Boiling Point:	79-80°C @ 1.5-1.6 mmHg
Flash Point:	no data
Solubility:	sulfate soluble in water; very slightly soluble in alcohol, ether; practically insoluble in chloroform
Additionnal data:	none
Notes:	freebase aspect : liquid; hydrochloride crystals from ethyl acetate-ether

[2]

The Dangers of Tranylcypromine

hypertensive crisis when combined with tyramine-containing foods and certain medications.

Legal Status of Tranylcypromine

USA

In the USA tranylcypromine is a prescription-only medication. It is not scheduled.

References

1. ^medscape app, "tranylcypromine pharmacology" accessed 8/22/20
2. ^Merck Index, fifteenth edition (2013)