Marplan Side Effects

Generic name: isocarboxazid

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 1, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Marplan Side Effects associated with isocarboxazid. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Marplan.

Applies to isocarboxazid: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.

Short term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older.

This risk must be balanced with the clinical need.

Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.

Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber.

Not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Common side effects of Marplan

Some side effects of isocarboxazid may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• constipation
• dry mouth

Less common side effects

• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• drowsiness
• inability to have or keep an erection
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• relaxed and calm
• sleepiness
• sleeplessness
• trouble sleeping
• unable to sleep
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Incidence not known

• black tongue
• blurred vision
• change in vision
• impaired vision
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• itching
• raised, dark red, wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face
• redness or other discoloration of the skin
• severe sunburn
• skin rash

Serious side effects of Marplan

Along with its needed effects, isocarboxazid (the active ingredient contained in Marplan) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking isocarboxazid:

Less common side effects

• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• difficult urination
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position
• fainting
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• fear or nervousness
• heavy feeling
• increased need to urinate
• passing urine more often
• restlessness
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• sudden jerky movements of the body
• sweating
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• trouble sitting still

Incidence not known

• agitation
• burning while urinating
• change in consciousness
• decrease in frequency of urination
• decrease in urine volume
• decreased urine output
• depression
• difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
• dizziness
• false or unusual sense of well-being
• headache
• hostility
• irritability
• loss of bladder control
• loss of consciousness
• muscle twitching
• nausea
• need to keep moving
• numbness or tingling of the hands, feet, or face
• rapid weight gain
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• seizures
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• stupor
• swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
• unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to isocarboxazid: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were dizziness, headache, nausea, and dry mouth.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 29%), headache (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Drowsy/drowsiness, forgetful, hyperactive, lethargy, myoclonic jerks, paresthesia, sedation, syncope, tremor
• Frequency not reported: Hyperreflexia, mild headache, overactivity, peripheral neuritis
• Postmarketing reports: Akathisia, ataxia, coma, neuritis^[Ref]

Dizziness and/or drowsiness may be controlled by reducing the dose.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea
• Frequency not reported: Vomiting
• Postmarketing reports: Black tongue^[Ref]

Constipation, dry mouth, nausea, and/or vomiting may be controlled by reducing the dose.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision
• Postmarketing reports: Toxic amblyopia^[Ref]

Blurred vision may be controlled by reducing the dose.

Toxic amblyopia was reported in a patient with schizophrenia who received this drug for approximately 1 year; however, no causal relationship to this drug was established.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Muscle tremor^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Impotence, urinary frequency, urinary hesitancy
• Frequency not reported: Difficulty in micturition, impairment of erection and ejaculation
• Postmarketing reports: Dysuria, incontinence, sexual disturbances, urinary retention^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Orthostatic hypotension, palpitations
• Frequency not reported: Disturbances in cardiac rhythm, peripheral edema^[Ref]

Orthostatic hypotension, disturbances in cardiac rhythm, and/or peripheral edema may be controlled by reducing the dose.^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Impaired water secretion compatible with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Sweating
• Frequency not reported: Skin rashes
• Postmarketing reports: Photosensitivity, spider telangiectases^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, insomnia, sleep disturbance
• Frequency not reported: Agitation, behavioral changes, confusion, suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation
• Postmarketing reports: Euphoria, hallucinations^[Ref]

Insomnia may be controlled by reducing the dose.

Hallucinations have been reported with high doses, but have disappeared with dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy.^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Chills, heavy feeling
• Frequency not reported: Fatigue, weakness^[Ref]

Fatigue and/or weakness may be controlled by reducing the dose.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Blood dyscrasias, granulocytopenia, purpura
• Postmarketing reports: Hematologic changes^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Increased appetite, weight gain^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What are some common side effects of antidepressants?

Further information

Marplan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer