Parnate Dosage

Recommended Dosage

PARNATE tablets are for oral use. The recommended dosage is 30 mg per day (in divided doses). If patients do not have an adequate response, increase the dosage in increments of 10 mg per day every 1 to 3 weeks to a maximum 30 mg twice daily (60 mg per day). Dosage increases should be made more gradually in patients at risk for hypotension (e.g., geriatric patients) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Switching to or from Other Antidepressants

Switching from Contraindicated Antidepressants to PARNATE
After stopping treatment with contraindicated antidepressants, a time period of 4 to 5 half-lives of the other antidepressant or any active metabolite should elapse before starting treatment with PARNATE. After stopping treatment with an MAO inhibitor antidepressant, a time period of at least one week or 4 to 5 half-lives of the other MAO inhibitor (whichever is longer) should elapse before starting treatment with PARNATE to reduce the risk of additive effects [see Contraindications (4.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Switching from PARNATE to Other MAOIs or Contraindicated Antidepressants
After stopping PARNATE treatment, at least one week should elapse before starting another MAOI (intended to treat MDD) or other contraindicated antidepressants. Refer to the prescribing information of the subsequently used drug for product-specific advice on a medication-free interval [see Contraindications (4.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Discontinuing Treatment

Withdrawal effects, including delirium, have been reported with abrupt discontinuation of PARNATE therapy. Higher daily doses and longer duration of use appear to be associated with a higher risk of withdrawal effects. Consider discontinuing PARNATE therapy by slow, gradual dosage reduction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)].

Screen for Bipolar Disorder and Elevated Blood Pressure Prior to Starting PARNATE

Prior to initiating treatment with PARNATE:

• Screen patients for a history of mania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
• Measure blood pressure[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.5)].