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Side Effects of Isocarboxazid

Some of the most common side effects of isocarboxazid include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Other side effects that may occur with the medication include things such as insomnia, dry mouth, and shakiness. While most side effects of isocarboxazid tend to be minor, there are some potentially serious problems that may occur while taking the medication. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or signs of an allergic reaction.

 

Side Effects of Isocarboxazid: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with isocarboxazid (Marplan®). However, not everyone who takes isocarboxazid will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When people do develop isocarboxazid side effects, in many cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with isocarboxazid. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of isocarboxazid side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Isocarboxazid

Isocarboxazid has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, some of the common side effects of isocarboxazid included:
 
  • Dizziness -- in up to 29 percent of people
  • Headaches -- up to 15 percent
  • Nausea -- up to 10 percent
  • Dry mouth -- up to 9 percent (see Marplan and Dry Mouth)
  • Constipation -- up to 7 percent
  • Insomnia -- up to 6 percent (see Marplan and Insomnia)
  • Drowsiness -- up to 4 percent
  • Low blood pressure when standing or sitting up -- up to 4 percent
  • Difficulty passing urine -- up to 4 percent
  • Shakiness (tremors) -- up to 4 percent.
     
Other side effects (reported in up to 2 percent of people taking isocarboxazid) included:
 
  • Anxiety
  • Chills
  • Forgetfulness
  • Hyperactivity
  • Lethargy
  • Fainting
  • Sweating
  • A heavy feeling
  • Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (palpitations)
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased urination
  • Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction or ED (see Marplan and Impotence)
  • Muscle twitches or jerks
  • Abnormal sensations, such as burning or tingling (paresthesias).
     
Withdrawal side effects have been reported in people who have suddenly stopped taking isocarboxazid. These side effects of an isocarboxazid withdrawal include restlessness, anxiety, depression, and other problems (see Marplan Withdrawal).
 
(Side Effects of Isocarboxazid Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;