Summary
Tranylcypromine is a non-selective, irreversible MAOI typically reserved for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Requires strict dietary restrictions to avoid tyramine-rich foods, which can cause life-threatening hypertensive crisis. Allow adequate washout periods when switching from other antidepressants (typically 2 weeks, but 5 weeks for fluoxetine). Effects persist for days to weeks after discontinuation due to irreversible MAO inhibition. Higher doses may produce stimulant-like effects due to structural similarity to amphetamine.
Dose Information
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Comeup | Peak | Offset | After Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 1-2 hrs | 1-2 hrs | 2-4 hrs | 12-24 hrs | 72-120 hrs |
Tolerance
Build-up
develops over days to weeks of regular use
Reset
3–7 days for acute; 1–3 weeks for full reset
Effects
Positive
- Stimulation
- Increased energy
- Anxiolysis
Negative
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Sedation
Positive
- Mood lift
- Alertness enhancement
- Mood elevation
- Improved motivation
- Enhanced sociability
- Cognitive Euphoria
Negative
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Talkativeness
Positive
- Increased music appreciation
- Perception of bodily lightness
- Tactile enhancement
Negative
- Light sensitivity
- Decreased Libido
- Appetite Suppression
- Disinhibition
- Dulled perception
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Spontaneous physical sensations