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Phenelzine Food Interactions

Brand names: Nardil

MAOI Antidepressant

3
High Risk
🧀 Aged Cheeses (Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Parmesan, Brie) ⚠️ High Risk

This is one of medicine's most dangerous food-drug interactions. Eating tyramine-rich aged cheese while on an MAOI can trigger a hypertensive crisis — a sudden, severe spike in blood pressure that can cause stroke or death.

How it works

MAOIs block monoamine oxidase, which normally breaks down tyramine in food. Without this enzyme, tyramine accumulates, triggering massive norepinephrine release.

What to do: Strictly avoid ALL high-tyramine foods while on any MAOI. Your pharmacist will provide a complete tyramine-free diet list. This is a mandatory, life-safety dietary restriction.
Source: FDA Nardil Prescribing Information; MAOI Dietary Tyramine Restriction Guidelines
🥩 Cured & Processed Meats (Salami, Pepperoni, Hot Dogs, Aged Ham) ⚠️ High Risk

Cured and fermented meats contain high levels of tyramine. Eating them while on an MAOI causes tyramine to accumulate and can trigger a hypertensive crisis.

How it works

Tyramine in cured meats cannot be broken down due to MAOI-inhibited monoamine oxidase.

What to do: Avoid ALL cured, smoked, fermented, or aged meats while taking MAOIs. Fresh, unprocessed meats cooked and eaten immediately are generally safe.
Source: FDA MAOI Labeling; Clinical Pharmacology MAOI-Tyramine Guidelines
🍷 Alcohol (especially Tap Beer & Chianti Red Wine) ⚠️ High Risk

Tap beer and certain red wines contain tyramine. Combined with MAOIs, this can cause hypertensive crisis.

How it works

Tyramine in alcoholic beverages combined with MAOI enzyme blockade creates dangerous catecholamine surges.

What to do: Avoid ALL alcohol while on MAOIs. Emergency care is required if blood pressure spikes severely.
Source: FDA Nardil Prescribing Information; Hypertensive Crisis Management Guidelines
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Based on FDA drug labeling and NIH MedlinePlus. Consult your pharmacist or physician before changing your diet while on medication.