Nardil (Phenelzine Sulfate)

Nardil (phenelzine) is an antidepressant for people whose depression is described as atypical, non-endogenous or neurotic, often with marked anxiety, phobic or hypochondriacal features. It is generally used when more common antidepressants have not worked. The starting dose is 15 mg three times a day.

Phenelzine is a strong, irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO); its effect is thought to come from raising brain levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, although the US label says the exact mechanism is not fully known. The US label says to raise the dose fairly quickly to at least 60 mg a day as tolerated; many patients respond only after at least 4 weeks at that dose.

• Boxed warning: antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour in children, teenagers and young adults. Patients of all ages should be watched closely, especially when starting or changing the dose.
• High-tyramine foods and drinks can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Avoid aged cheese, pickled herring, beer and wine (including alcohol-free versions), liver, yeast or meat extracts, dry sausage, sauerkraut, yogurt and spoiled protein foods, during treatment and for 2 weeks after stopping.
• Many medicines must not be combined with it, including other antidepressants, stimulants, cough and cold medicines, decongestants, dextromethorphan and pethidine. Allow 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before starting Nardil, and 14 days after stopping Nardil before another antidepressant.
• Do not stop suddenly, as withdrawal reactions can occur. Planned surgery needs Nardil stopped at least 10 days before. Dizziness on standing, drowsiness and weight gain are common.

Can Nardil be imported to India?

Yes. When a psychiatrist decides that Nardil is needed and it cannot be bought locally, it can be imported in the patient’s name under the named-patient route.

How many tablets should be ordered?

There is one strength: 15 mg tablets. US bottles hold 60 tablets and UK bottles hold 100. At 60 mg a day (4 tablets), a US bottle lasts about 15 days, so a month usually needs 2 bottles. Please ask the psychiatrist to write the daily dose clearly.

What documents do we need?

• A prescription from a psychiatrist with the daily dose and quantity
• A short note on the diagnosis and the antidepressants already tried
• Government-issued photo ID of the patient

We confirm the order only after the prescription has been checked.

Does Nardil need to be kept in the fridge?

It depends on where it comes from. The US label says store at 15–30 °C. The UK label says store in a refrigerator at 2–8 °C. We tell you which pack you are getting and how to store it.

Nardil is a long-term medicine with strict diet and drug rules, so keep the medication guide that comes with the pack and plan refills before the bottle runs out. IPN sources it through authorised distributors in the US or UK.

For Nardil price in India, call +91 96548 60915, WhatsApp +91 93100 90915 or email info@indianpharmanetwork.in.

Global Approval Status:

• United States: FDA-approved on 9 June 1961 (Parke-Davis/Pfizer) and still marketed.
• United Kingdom: Authorised (Neon Healthcare).

Sources:

• Nardil (phenelzine) – US label on DailyMed (Parke-Davis/Pfizer)
• Drugs@FDA – Nardil, NDA 011909
• Nardil 15 mg – UK SmPC (Neon Healthcare, eMC)

Information last checked: October 2026.

Why is Nardil prescribed?

Doctors prescribe Nardil for depression that has not responded to other antidepressants. It is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant.

Who is the maker of Nardil?

It is made by Pfizer (Parke-Davis) in the US; Neon Healthcare in the UK.

How does Phenelzine Sulfate act in the body?

Phenelzine is a strong, irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO); its effect is thought to come from raising brain levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, although the US label says the exact mechanism is not fully known.

Why do I need a special diet with Nardil?

Nardil stops the body from breaking down tyramine from food. High-tyramine foods can then cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure, so the diet must be followed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

How long does Nardil take to start working?

It can take several weeks. The US label says many patients respond only after taking at least 60 mg a day for at least 4 weeks. Do not stop or change the dose without the psychiatrist.

Is Nardil FDA approved?

Yes. Nardil is FDA-approved for the treatment of depressed patients clinically characterised as atypical, non-endogenous or neurotic.