Nardil Withdrawal and Detox
- 1. Nardil (Phenelzine) Withdrawal and Detox
- 2. What Are Common Nardil (Phenelzine) Withdrawal Symptoms?
- 3. Nardil (Phenelzine) Withdrawal Timeline and Symptom Durations
- 4. Managing Withdrawal Symptoms of Nardil (Phenelzine)
- 5. Nardil (Phenelzine) Medications and Detox
- 6. How to Choose a Nardil (Phenelzine) Center
Phenelzine prevents the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters. Monoamine neurotransmitters that phenelzine impacts include melatonin, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and trace amine neuromodulators like phenethylamine. By preventing the breakdown of these critical neurotransmitters, Nardil increases the concentrations of them in the brain, allowing them to have a greater impact on mood stabilization as well as reducing depression and anxiety.
MAO inhibitors are most commonly prescribed to treat atypical forms of depression. Phenelzine may also be prescribed to treat panic disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bulimia, and social anxiety disorder.
Because of the increased risk of harmful interactions with other drugs and food, and the increased risk of side effects, MAO inhibitors tend to be prescribed as a second or third line of treatment after other drugs like tricyclics or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have failed.

Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak with an Intake Coordination Specialist now.352.771.2700It isn’t uncommon for the discontinuation phase of Nardil to last several months, gradually lowering the dose every two to three weeks. Depending on how long the patient has been taking Nardil, doctors may choose to extend the discontinuation phase to a year or longer before entirely stopping treatment.

Because phenelzine can have dangerous complications when mixed with other types of antidepressants, withdrawal symptoms can’t be managed by adding a small dose of another antidepressant. Serotonin syndrome, a severe condition that can result in psychosis, is a major risk when MAO inhibitors like Nardil are mixed with SSRIs like Prozac. Serotonin syndrome occurs when levels of serotonin become extremely high, which is one result of the combined effects of these drugs.
Liver toxicity can also become an issue since Nardil needs to be broken down by the liver. Eating tyramine-rich foods can increase the chance of liver toxicity. It’s recommended that patients refrain from eating foods that are especially high in tyramine, including meat that may be fermented, spoiled, pickled, or aged. For example, most pork, except for cured ham, is off limits. Other foods that are high in tyramine include alcohol, most cheese, and chocolate.
As with all antidepressants, phenelzine treats the symptoms of depression and anxiety, but not the cause. Irreversible MAO inhibitors like Nardil permanently alter brain chemistry. When an individual who has been taking phenelzine for a long time stops treatment, it can take several weeks after the final dose before most the drug’s effects wear off. Once this happens, it can mean a return of depressive symptoms.
If you feel like you or a loved one may be struggling with discontinuance syndrome, substance use disorder, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Visit www.TheRecoveryVillage.com or call our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 855-548-9825 for more information. Start the recovery process today.
Have more questions about Nardil abuse?
Read the most frequently asked questionsSeeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak with an Intake Coordination Specialist now.352.771.2700