Eldepryl, a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease, has been known to have serious, sometimes fatal, interactions with types of antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors. In February the FDA issued a new warning about potentially fatal, adverse interactions between Eldepryl and two other, more commonly prescribed types of antidepressants. The two are: drugs known as SSRI's (Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil) and the tricyclic antidepressants (Tofranil, Elavil and Norpramin are some brands).
The FDA recommends avoiding concurrent Eldepryl and antidepressant use. Even after Eldepryl is discontinued the FDA advises a delay of 14 days before starting a tricyclic antidepressant and at least five weeks before beginning Prozac or other SSRI's (FDA Medical Bulletin, February 1995).
COPYRIGHT 1995 Center for Medical Consumers, Inc.
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