Moclobemide

What moclobemide is and how it works

Moclobemide is a prescription-only antidepressant that works by reversibly blocking monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A), an enzyme that breaks down mood-regulating brain chemicals (serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine). It belongs to a class called reversible inhibitors of MAO-A (RIMAs), which generally carry a lower dietary-reaction risk than older, irreversible MAOI antidepressants -- though a real interaction risk still exists and must be taken seriously. (2) (1)

Important market note: moclobemide is not available in the United States -- it has never received FDA approval and is not marketed there. It is available by prescription in the UK, across the EU (via national authorisations), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. If you are prescribed moclobemide, it is essential to tell every prescriber and pharmacist you see about it, because it has serious interactions with certain other medicines, including some common painkillers and other antidepressants.

Mechanism of action: how moclobemide works

Moclobemide is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A (RIMA), increasing the synaptic availability of noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. Its reversibility distinguishes it from older, irreversible MAO inhibitors, giving a shorter duration of enzyme inhibition and a correspondingly reduced (though not eliminated) tyramine-pressor response. (2)

What moclobemide is used for

Before taking moclobemide

Do not take / not appropriate for

• Do not take moclobemide together with pethidine (meperidine), tramadol, dextromethorphan (found in some cough/cold products), selegiline, triptans (migraine medicines), or linezolid (an antibiotic) -- these combinations can cause a serious, potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome or dangerous blood pressure rise. (all countries where authorised) (2) (4)
• Do not start moclobemide until an appropriate washout period (generally about 4-5 half-lives of the previous medicine) has passed after stopping an SSRI or SNRI antidepressant -- your prescriber will advise the exact timing. (all countries where authorised) (2)
• Do not use moclobemide if you have had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients. (all countries where authorised) (2)

Tell your clinician about

• All other medicines you take or have recently stopped, especially any other antidepressant, migraine medicine (triptans), strong painkillers (including pethidine or tramadol), cough/cold products containing dextromethorphan, or the antibiotic linezolid.
• Any history of high blood pressure or thyroid problems.
• Any liver problems -- your dose may need to be reduced.
• Any history of suicidal thoughts or self-harm, particularly if you are under 25.
• Whether you live outside a country where moclobemide is authorised, since it is not available in the United States.
• Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

How to take moclobemide

• Moclobemide tablets are usually taken after meals, in 2-3 divided doses through the day.
• Special dietary restrictions are not generally required because moclobemide's effect on MAO-A is reversible and selective, unlike older MAOIs -- but you should still avoid eating large amounts of tyramine-rich foods (such as mature cheese, cured meats, or yeast extract) as a precaution, since some people remain sensitive.
• A therapeutic trial of at least 4-6 weeks is usually recommended before judging whether the medicine is working.
• Do not stop taking moclobemide or change your dose without talking to your prescriber.

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose, in which case skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule -- do not double up. Contact your prescriber if you are unsure.

Overdose

Seek urgent medical attention or contact emergency/poison-control services immediately if an overdose is suspected, as this can cause serious effects on the heart, blood pressure, and nervous system, especially if combined with other serotonergic medicines. (2)

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.

Serious warnings

Interactions

• Pethidine (meperidine): must not be combined with moclobemide -- serious, potentially fatal serotonin syndrome/reaction risk. (2) (4)
• Dextromethorphan (found in some cough/cold medicines): must not be combined -- serotonin syndrome risk. (2) (4)
• Tramadol: must not be combined -- serotonin syndrome risk. (2)
• Triptans (migraine medicines): must not be combined -- serotonin syndrome risk. (2) (4)
• Selegiline: must not be combined. (2) (4)
• Linezolid (an antibiotic with MAO-inhibiting activity): must not be combined. (2)
• SSRIs and SNRIs: require a washout period of about 4-5 half-lives of the prior medicine before starting moclobemide. (2)
• Sympathomimetic medicines and certain stimulants: can raise the risk of a hypertensive (high blood pressure) reaction. (2)
• Bupropion: combination should be avoided per UK labelling. (2)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Monitoring

Before starting

• Confirmation of diagnosis and review of current/recently stopped medicines for interaction risk
• Liver function assessment if liver disease is suspected
• Blood pressure baseline

During treatment

• Monitoring for mood changes and suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment and after dose changes, particularly in patients under 25.
• Monitoring for signs of serotonin syndrome or a hypertensive reaction if any new medicine is started.
• Periodic review of ongoing need and dose, especially in liver impairment.

Storage

Store moclobemide tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and light, as directed on the product label. Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Moclobemide regulatory status -- not FDA-approved / not marketed in the United StatesCross-referenced from multiple secondary clinical/pharmacology sources (NCBI Bookshelf/LactMed, peer-reviewed psychopharmacology literature) confirming the absence of a US FDA approval -- there is no US DailyMed or FDA label to cite because none exists · United States · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 1
2. Manerix 150 mg / 300 mg Film-coated Tablets -- Summary of Product Characteristicselectronic medicines compendium (emc), United Kingdom · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 2
3. Moclobemide: list of nationally authorised medicinal productsEuropean Medicines Agency (EMA) -- list of nationally authorised medicinal products (periodic safety update single assessment, PSUSA/00002079) · European Union · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 3
4. MANERIX (moclobemide) and generic moclobemide tablets -- Product MonographsHealth Canada product monograph (brand: Manerix; generics: e.g. teva-moclobemide, Apo-Moclobemide, pms-Moclobemide) · Canada · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 4
5. AURORIX (moclobemide) 150 mg and 300 mg tablets -- ARTG registrationTherapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia -- Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) · Australia · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 5
6. AURORIX (moclobemide) and APO-MOCLOBEMIDE -- New Zealand Data SheetsMedsafe (New Zealand regulator) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient moclobemide names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries