Marplan Side Effects

In clinical trials of Marplan, side effects of the drug most commonly included dizziness, headaches, and nausea. In many cases, the side effects of Marplan are minor and can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, be sure to notify your healthcare provider immediately if you develop more serious side effects, such as hallucinations, signs of an allergic reaction, or signs of high or low blood pressure.

 

Marplan Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Marplan® (isocarboxazid). However, not everyone who takes Marplan will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When people do develop Marplan 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 Marplan. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Marplan side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Marplan

Marplan 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 Marplan 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 Marplan) 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 Marplan. These side effects of Marplan withdrawal include restlessness, anxiety, depression, and other problems (see Marplan Withdrawal).
 
(Marplan Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;