Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor used to treat atypical, nonendogenous, or neurotic depression. Phenelzine, with the formula β-phenylethylhydrazine, is a monoamine oxidase inhibiting antidepressant that is effective in the treatment of panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 1 reference
The basic mechanism of action of phenelzine acts as an inhibitor and substrate of monoamine oxidase which subsequently causes an elevation in brain levels of catecholamines and serotonin. It also presents a similar structure to amphetamine which explains the effect on the uptake and release of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. Phenelzine has been reported to inhibit tyrosine aminotransferase, aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, and dopamine B-hydroxylase.
- Primary indication
- Phenelzine is indicated for the treatment of nonendogenous, neurotic or atypical depression for patients that do not tolerate other forms of therapy.Curator reviewed · 3 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C8H12N2 · 136.1943 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2022 · United States, 1961
- Code names
- W 1544
- Brand names
Resolves to
RMUCZJUITONUFY-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESNNCCC1=CC=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Phenelzine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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