Jatrosom

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Jatrosom

Treatment option: Clinical Depression

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Jatrosom

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Tranylcypromine
Form Oral tablet (Film-coated)
Pharmacological Class Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI)
Origin Synthetic psychotropic agent
General Purpose Mood stabilization and regulation

What Type of Medicine is Jatrosom? (Identity and Classification)

Jatrosom is a synthetic psychotropic agent classified as a prescription-only medicine designed for systemic action. Its active pharmaceutical ingredient is Tranylcypromine (INN), typically formulated as the sulfate salt. This compound belongs to the class of Antidepressant drugs known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI). Tranylcypromine functions as a non-selective and irreversible inhibitor, distinguishing it from other medications by deactivating the enzymes MAO-A and MAO-B. This mechanism is the defining action of the drug within the Central Nervous System (CNS).


Composition and General Purpose (Therapeutic Intent)

Jatrosom is supplied as a single-ingredient product designed for oral administration in the form of a film-coated tablet. This dosage form ensures the systemic administration of Tranylcypromine to the body. Alternative brand names containing the same Tranylcypromine active ingredient include Parnate and Transamine, reflecting the clinical use of this formulation.

The general purpose of Tranylcypromine is the stabilization and regulation of mood, energy, and affect in adults. By preventing the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters, the medication increases their availability for neural signaling. Tranylcypromine is recognized for providing relief for patients experiencing persistent and severe symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have not responded sufficiently to other therapeutic agents. This medicine serves as a specialized option when conventional depression treatments prove inadequate.

Regulatory References

  1. StatPearls, National Library of Medicine

What side effects are possible with Jatrosom?

Official Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The safety profile of Jatrosom (Tranylcypromine) is based strictly on documentation provided by regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the EMA. As a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), its use is associated with specific, serious safety constraints and a range of adverse reactions categorized by frequency and the body system affected.

Serious Adverse Reactions (Regulatory Warnings)

The most serious reaction is the risk of Hypertensive Crisis, which can be fatal. This risk is primarily associated with consuming tyramine-rich foods or taking certain contraindicated drugs (e.g., specific cold medications or other antidepressants). The official label also includes a warning regarding the risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors, particularly in young adults at the start of treatment or following dose changes. Serotonin Syndrome is another serious documented risk when the medicine is combined with other serotonergic agents.

Common and Reported Side Effects

Adverse reactions are organized into System-Organ Classes (SOCs), with effects on the Nervous System and Vascular System being prominent. Common side effects, defined as Most Common (>10%) in regulatory summaries, include Dry Mouth, Dizziness, Insomnia, Headache, and Postural Hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing).

System-Organ Class Selected Adverse Reactions (Examples)
Nervous System Dizziness, Headache, Insomnia, Paraesthesia
Vascular Disorders Orthostatic Hypotension, Hypertensive Crisis
Psychiatric Disorders Overexcitement, Agitation, Hallucinations
Gastrointestinal Dry Mouth, Constipation, Diarrhea, Nausea

Safety Considerations for Specific Populations

  • Pediatric Population: Safety and efficacy have not been established; the medicine is not indicated for children and adolescents under 18 years.
  • Hepatic/Renal Impairment: It is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment.
  • Geriatric Population: Use requires great caution due to an increased risk of postural hypotension and necessitates frequent blood pressure monitoring.

Treatment discontinuation should always be gradual to prevent reported withdrawal effects.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose scope

Documented Overdose Presentations: Overdose manifestations may be delayed in onset, sometimes appearing up to 24 hours after ingestion, and involve severe clinical signs. These include central nervous system effects like insomnia, restlessness, agitation, and mental confusion, progressing to loss of consciousness. A primary documented risk is a hypertensive crisis, presenting with sudden, severe headache, neck stiffness, sweating, palpitations, and rapid heart rate. Severe toxicity involves the CNS, Cardiovascular, and Autonomic systems, with documented risks of Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) and **seizures).

Emergency-Response Statements: Patients must seek immediate medical attention and/or contact a Poison Control Center if an overdose is known or suspected. Urgent medical care is also required immediately if signs of a hypertensive crisis, such as a sudden severe headache or chest pain, are present. Treatment must be symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known to reverse the effects of Tranylcypromine.

Overdose classifications (high-level)

Severity Classification: The official documents classify reactions as potentially severe or life-threatening, including features of Serotonin Syndrome and the risk of intracranial bleeding or cardiovascular collapse.

Official overdose statements

  • Documented severe outcomes include Hypertensive Crisis and life-threatening features of Serotonin Syndrome, which can lead to intracranial bleeding and respiratory failure.
  • In the event of a suspected overdose, the patient must seek immediate medical attention.
  • Official management procedures include controlling hypertension and requiring prolonged hospital monitoring due to the possibility of delayed symptom onset.

Connection to the overall overdose profile

The regulatory profile flags the potential for severe, delayed toxicity, specifically the risk of Serotonin Syndrome and Hypertensive Crisis. Due to the irreversible mechanism and lack of an antidote, guidance strictly mandates immediate medical attention for any suspected overdose and requires supportive treatment and prolonged hospital monitoring to manage the progression of these severe manifestations.

Therapeutic Uses of Jatrosom

Tranylcypromine is considered relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate for conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms that have proven refractory to initial treatments. It is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden to provide supportive relief when a significant symptomatic burden exists in adult patients.

The medication is generally applied in addressing symptoms that may become intense or disruptive and is considered relevant in situations where symptoms may intensify temporarily, such as in treatment-resistant cases of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It is applied in addressing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive alongside severe comorbid anxiety manifestations.

“The treatment is generally applied in settings where other symptom management approaches have not been adequately successful.”

Symptom-Focused Support

It may be part of symptomatic management in situations where patients experience distressing loss of interest or pleasure, significant low energy, or pronounced psychomotor retardation. It is also relevant for easing specific symptom clusters that create noticeable physiological strain, such as panic attacks or physical sensations like excessive fatigue. This approach may assist with maintaining functional stability and supports patients during difficult episodes by easing distress.


Quick Note: Supportive Relief for Complex Symptoms The application of Tranylcypromine is relevant for easing symptoms, often characterized by the loss of pleasure, lack of energy, and unusual physical manifestations.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH StatPearls overview on Tranylcypromine

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Contraindications

The use of Jatrosom (Tranylcypromine) is strictly regulated, with formal criteria defining eligible patient populations. It is officially indicated for use only in adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who have not adequately responded to other antidepressants.

Jatrosom is absolutely contraindicated in patient populations with specific high-risk conditions, including:

  • Severe Cardiovascular Disease, uncontrolled Hypertension, or confirmed Cerebrovascular Defects.
  • Pheochromocytoma or other tumors secreting pressor substances.
  • Impaired Liver Function or a history of liver disease.
  • Severe Renal Dysfunction (due to the risk of drug accumulation).

Age and Physiological Restrictions:

  • Pediatric Population: The medicine is not approved for children and adolescents (under 18 years old) as its safety and efficacy have not been established.
  • Older Adults (Geriatric): Use requires caution due to an increased risk of adverse effects, particularly postural hypotension.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use is not recommended, and is reserved only for cases where the potential benefit to the mother is determined to outweigh the risk to the fetus or infant.

Eligibility is further constrained by the mandatory adherence to a tyramine-restricted diet and the avoidance of other Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or certain other medications.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Jatrosom (Tranylcypromine) is defined by its classification as an irreversible Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor, which necessitates strict constraints to mitigate severe pharmacodynamic risks.


Contraindicated Medicinal Combinations

Co-administration is formally prohibited with several medicinal products due to the high risk of severe outcomes, including Hypertensive Crisis or Serotonin Syndrome. These include all other Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Serotonergic Agents (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs), and Sympathomimetic Drugs (e.g., Amphetamines, Pseudoephedrine). Specific prohibited agents listed in regulatory documents include Linezolid, Meperidine, and L-Dopa.


Administration Timing and Substance Restrictions

A mandatory medication-free interval is required when changing treatments. Before initiating Jatrosom, a 14-day washout period is required after stopping most antidepressants, extended to five weeks following discontinuation of Fluoxetine. Jatrosom must be stopped at least ten days before elective surgery. Use requires a mandatory, continuous restriction of Tyramine-rich foods and alcohol due to the risk of Hypertensive Crisis. The herbal product St. John's Wort is also contraindicated.


Pharmacokinetic Profile

Tranylcypromine is documented as a weak inhibitor of the enzymes CYP2A6 and CYP2C19. This pharmacokinetic effect may result in increased plasma concentrations of co-administered medicinal products metabolized through these pathways. Regulatory information also notes that elderly patients may show increased sensitivity to interaction-related risks, such as orthostatic hypotension.

Mechanism of Action

Irreversible Central Monoamine Preservation

Jatrosom's active ingredient, Tranylcypromine, works by functioning as a non-selective, irreversible inhibitor of the mitochondrial enzymes Monoamine Oxidase A and B (MAO-A/B) throughout the central nervous system. This action permanently prevents the natural breakdown of key neurotransmitters, including Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine, causing their levels to accumulate within neural synapses. The resulting sustained increase in signaling across monoaminergic pathways necessitates a physiological adaptation. This process drives the eventual down-regulation of post-synaptic receptors over several weeks, which results in the functional re-regulation of affective pathways.


️ Systemic Constraint on Peripheral MAO

The non-selective mechanism imposes a critical systemic constraint by deactivating MAO enzymes in peripheral tissues like the gut and liver, which normally act as a metabolic barrier against ingested Tyramine. When this barrier is deactivated, Tyramine is absorbed systemically and acts as an indirect-acting sympathomimetic, triggering the rapid release of stored Norepinephrine from peripheral nerve terminals. This physiological event is an inherent consequence of the non-selective enzyme inhibition.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Jatrosom is Used: Standard Administration Guidelines

The usage of Jatrosom (Tranylcypromine) is defined by established guidelines that govern its administration route, dosage, and required time-dependent patterns. The medication is formulated as a 10 mg film-coated tablet for oral administration.


Dosing Protocol and Frequency

Standard protocols involve a slow and gradual approach to treatment. Therapy typically begins at a starting dose of 30 mg per day in divided amounts. The dosage is then subject to titration, or incremental increase, by 10 mg per day at intervals of one to three weeks. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 60 mg per day. Once a stable outcome is achieved, the dosage may be reduced to a lower maintenance level, such as 10 mg to 20 mg daily.

The total daily dose is taken in divided doses—typically two or three times a day. To mitigate the risk of sleep disturbance, the final dose of the day is generally administered no later than 3:00 PM.


Contextual and Population-Specific Instructions

The tablets should be swallowed whole with water. While no specific instruction exists regarding taking the tablet with or without food, treatment involves strict adherence to a tyramine-restricted diet throughout the course of medication and for two weeks after stopping the treatment.

For older adults, guidelines involve the use of lower starting doses (e.g., 10 mg/day) and particularly gradual dosage increases. Tranylcypromine is not indicated for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Discontinuation of therapy involves a slow, gradual dosage reduction. Furthermore, a washout period (e.g., at least one week) must elapse when switching from another Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI).

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Jatrosom

Evidence for Use in Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder (TRD)

Jatrosom was studied for adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), particularly those with a history of not fully responding to earlier courses of medication, a condition known as Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). The main body of research includes meta-analyses that pooled findings from older controlled clinical trials, including Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), where the medicine was compared against both inactive placebo and other established older antidepressants.

These studies explored short-term symptom changes, and measured how overall depressive symptom severity evolved in the observed populations. Researchers monitored specific study endpoints, such as the achievement of predefined thresholds for symptom change and symptom resolution. Studies examined how outcomes evolved in the observed populations when compared to those receiving an inactive placebo. Research has explored whether Tranylcypromine is applicable in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations after previous treatments were unsuccessful.

Research in Atypical Depression and Psychomotor Features

This medicine was studied for specific subtypes of depression, including patients with Atypical Depression, a form of MDD. These studies explored how outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level, such as pronounced fatigue, loss of interest, and psychomotor retardation, evolved in these specific cohorts. Evidence for this use often comes from subgroup analyses of larger trials, as well as dedicated comparative controlled trials. Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, and findings indicate that these specific subgroups were a focus of earlier research.

Long-Term Evidence and Durability of Response

The majority of research on Jatrosom, including most controlled trials, was conducted during short-term periods, typically lasting only a few weeks to assess initial changes in symptom severity. Data regarding extended treatment are limited for certain groups.

Evidence exploring long-term symptom patterns and the maintenance of symptom stability over many months or years largely relies on observational studies and retrospective reviews of patients’ clinical records. These studies contribute to the broader evidence landscape regarding what has been observed so far in real-world settings after the initial short-term trials conclude. However, long-term effects are not fully established by large, dedicated randomized studies designed for maintenance, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes.

Key Studies & References Tranylcypromine General Overview and Mechanism of Action (NIH/StatPearls)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Jatrosom (FAQ)


Q: Is Jatrosom only for the condition it treats, or do people use it for other things?

A: According to the official product information, Jatrosom is specifically indicated for adult patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have not responded sufficiently to other antidepressant treatments. The official documents detail its use within this therapeutic scope.

Q: How does Jatrosom compare generally to other medicines for the same condition?

A: Official documents classify Jatrosom as a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). This is a distinct and older class of antidepressant that works differently from newer, more commonly prescribed types, such as SSRIs and SNRIs. The non-selective and irreversible mechanism of MAOIs is a key distinction from many newer types.

Q: Is Jatrosom the same type of medicine as [similar drug name]?

A: Jatrosom is classified as a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). Official regulatory texts indicate co-administration is strictly prohibited with other common types of antidepressants, including SSRIs and SNRIs, because of the risk of severe adverse reactions.

Q: How long does it usually take to notice any effects from Jatrosom?

A: Official regulatory texts describe that the key physiological changes needed for the medicine to function, such as the regulation of nerve receptors, can take place over a period of several weeks. This indicates that clinical effects often require a period of time to become apparent.

Q: Is Jatrosom a medicine that I have to take forever?

A: According to the official dosing protocol, once a stable outcome is achieved, the dosage may be adjusted to a lower maintenance level for ongoing management. This indicates that treatment is often continuous but does not impose a mandatory permanent duration.

Q: Is it normal to feel a change in appetite while on Jatrosom?

A: Regulatory documents include changes in appetite (either increased or decreased) among the reported adverse reactions. However, these effects are typically not categorized in the most frequently reported groups.

Q: Does Jatrosom cause drowsiness or fatigue?

A: Official product information lists Dizziness and Insomnia as common adverse reactions (occurring in more than 10% of patients). While Fatigue is also reported in the documentation, it is generally listed as less frequent than the most common side effects.

Q: Are there any common over-the-counter medicines that interact with Jatrosom?

A: Regulatory documents state that the use of sympathomimetic drugs is strictly prohibited due to the serious risk of Hypertensive Crisis. This class includes many common non-prescription agents found in cold, allergy, and weight-loss products, such as Pseudoephedrine.

Q: Should I avoid certain vitamins or supplements while on Jatrosom?

A: Official product information explicitly lists the herbal product St. John’s Wort as contraindicated, meaning its use is strictly prohibited while taking Jatrosom. This is due to the potential for severe adverse reactions.

Q: Is it a common concern that Jatrosom causes weight gain?

A: Regulatory documents include both weight gain and weight loss among the reported adverse reactions associated with this medicine. These effects are typically not categorized in the most common side effect group listed in the label.

Q: How quickly does Jatrosom leave your system?

A: Official regulatory texts describe the drug's elimination half-life and establish mandatory washout periods (e.g., 14 days) before switching to other antidepressants. These periods provide an estimation of the time needed for the active substance to be sufficiently cleared from the body.

Q: Does taking Jatrosom affect driving or operating machinery?

A: Regulatory documentation generally advises that side effects associated with the medicine, such as dizziness or drowsiness, may potentially impair a person's ability to drive or safely operate complex machinery.

Q: Is Jatrosom a controlled substance?

A: According to authoritative sources like the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the active ingredient in Jatrosom, Tranylcypromine, is generally not scheduled as a controlled substance. However, drug classifications can vary by region.

Q: Is there a generic version of Jatrosom available?

A: Regulatory approval records from agencies like the FDA (via the Orange Book) confirm that a generic version of the active ingredient, Tranylcypromine, has been approved and is available.

Q: Does Jatrosom have a black box warning?

A: The official U.S. regulatory label includes a prominent Boxed Warning (often called a 'Black Box Warning'). This is a mandatory warning about the risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors, especially in young adults at the start of treatment or following dose changes.

Q: Why is it important to continue taking Jatrosom even if I feel better?

A: Regulatory guidelines detail a protocol for continued treatment, which involves reducing the dosage to a lower maintenance level once stability is achieved. This maintenance phase is defined in the official documents to support ongoing symptom management.

Q: How long does the effect of a single dose of Jatrosom typically last?

A: Because Jatrosom is an irreversible MAO inhibitor, its physiological effects are generally continuous rather than following a short, single-dose timeline. This mechanism means the drug's effect is ongoing throughout the duration of the treatment course.

Q: Does Jatrosom affect the results of any common medical tests?

A: Official regulatory information indicates that certain MAOIs may potentially interfere with the results of specific laboratory tests. This interference often relates to tests that measure urinary catecholamine levels.

Q: What information is legally required to be on the patient leaflet for Jatrosom?

A: Regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and EMA, mandate that the patient information leaflet must contain specific, standardized information. This typically includes a clear description of the warnings, potential side effects, and contraindications.

Q: What is the difference in how Jatrosom is absorbed if taken with or without food?

A: Official regulatory text on administration states that there are no specific instructions regarding whether the tablet must be taken with or without food. The absence of specific instructions in regulatory documentation indicates that the medication can be taken without reference to food.

Q: Why do some people say Jatrosom didn't work for them?

A: Official documentation indicates that this medicine is often prescribed for individuals whose condition has been resistant to other medications. The evidence base acknowledges that individual responses to any medication can vary, meaning not every patient will have the same outcome.

Q: How is the long-term safety of Jatrosom monitored?

A: Regulatory documents emphasize the importance of monitoring for the most significant risks. This specifically includes the requirement for frequent blood pressure monitoring, particularly in certain patient populations, such as the elderly.

Q: Are there any known severe allergic reactions associated with Jatrosom?

A: Regulatory documents include reports of severe adverse reactions related to hypersensitivity or allergic responses, which have been documented. One example of a severe reported reaction is angioedema.

Q: What is the risk of dependence or addiction with Jatrosom?

A: The official regulatory label contains a specific section addressing the risks of drug abuse and dependence associated with the use of its active ingredient. The inclusion of this section provides specific documentation on this potential concern.

How should Jatrosom be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Jatrosom (Tranylcypromine)

Jatrosom tablets must be stored strictly according to official regulatory specifications to maintain product stability and potency.

Storage Requirements

  • Temperature: Store at Controlled Room Temperature, defined as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), and keep the medication from freezing.
  • Container: The tablets must remain in the original, tightly closed container and be stored away from direct light and moisture.
  • Child Safety: The product must be kept securely out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Jatrosom should be discarded using an authorized drug take-back program as the primary method. If a take-back program is not available, the tablets must be mixed with an undesirable substance, placed in a sealed container, and disposed of in the household trash. It is explicitly stated that the medicine should not be flushed down a toilet or poured down a sink.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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