MOCLOBEMIDE (‘Manerix’)
Mo - clo - bem - ide
Why have I been prescribed moclobemide?
Moclobemide is used to treat depression. It is an antidepressant. Depression is a common condition. It is different from the
normal “ups and downs” of everyday life. People with depression may feel sad most of the time and cannot see an end to
their sadness. Often people also have physical symptoms. Tiredness and poor sleep are very common, and so are
changes in appetite. Many people also find that they simply cannot enjoy any of life’s pleasures.
Depression is treated in many ways. Certain “talking” therapies are also effective for some people. Antidepressants can
generally be relied upon to relieve the symptoms of depression in most people.
What exactly is moclobemide?
Moclobemide an antidepressant. It is not a tranquilliser or sleeping tablet. It belongs to a group of medicines called the
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (or MAOIs). Moclobemide is a newer kind of MAOI called a RIMA (Reversible Inhibitor of
Monoamineoxidase-A). Thousands of people with depression have taken moclobemide and now lead normal lives. The
brand or trade name for moclobemide is ‘Manerix’.
Is moclobemide safe to take?
It is usually safe to have moclobemide regularly as prescribed by your doctor, but it doesn’t suit everyone. Let your doctor
know if any of the following apply to you, as extra care may be needed:
a) if you have Parkinson's disease or phaeochromocytoma, or suffer from heart, thyroid or liver trouble;
b) if you are taking any other medication. This includes medicines bought from your pharmacist without a prescription.
See the question on "medicines to avoid" below;
c) if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or wish to become pregnant.
Are there any medicines that I should avoid or take care with?
Ask your pharmacist or doctor before you buy any medicine, especially if it is for a cough, cold, the flu, hay fever or catarrh,
especially if it contains phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine or pseudoephedrine. Moclobemide should be safe with these
medicines, but ask to make sure. You must not take anything containing codeine, for example ‘Veganin’, ‘Paracodol’ or
‘Solpadeine’. If you take cimetidine (‘Tagamet’), your dose of moclobemide may need to be changed. St. John’s wort
should be avoided. Always get advice from your pharmacist if you are not sure.
What is the usual dose of moclobemide?
The usual dose of moclobemide is 150mg twice a day. The usual maximum dose is 300mg twice a day.
How should I take my moclobemide?
Look at the label on your medicine; it should have all the necessary instructions on it. Follow this advice carefully. If you
have any questions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Most medicines are now dispensed with an information leaflet for
you to read.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Never change your dose without checking with your doctor. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long
as it is within a few hours of the usual time.
Are there any foods or drinks that I should avoid?
Some foods can cause problems for people on moclobemide. For example: cheese, pâté, pickled herrings, yeast extracts
(e.g. Oxo, Marmite, Bovril, Twiglets), broad bean pods, Chianti wine and home-brewed beer. Moclobemide is usually safe
to take with these foods and drinks. However, it is still best to avoid eating or drinking large amounts of them. Ask your
pharmacist, doctor or nurse if you have any worries.
What will happen to me when I start taking moclobemide?
All antidepressants work slowly. People tend to feel better over a period of weeks rather than days. Different symptoms
may get better at different times. Most people find that they feel noticeably better after about two or three weeks. However,
the full effect of antidepressants is usually felt only after about four to six weeks. It is very important to continue to take
antidepressants so that the full effects can be felt. Speak to your pharmacist, doctor or nurse if you have any questions
about this.
Unfortunately you might get some side effects before your mood gets any better. Most of these should go away after a
week or so. Look at the table over the page. It tells you what to do if you get any side effects. Not everyone will get the side
