Drug Database - Nialamide

Generic Name: nialamide (ni-al'a-mid)

Brand Names: Niaquitil®, Nialamid®, Niamidal®, Niamide®, Novazid®, Nuredal®, Niamid®, Psicodisten®

Classification: MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) Antidepressant

Issue Date: 1976

Nialamide was one of the first MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) antidepressants. It is chemically related to iproniazide, another MAOI derived from isonicotinic acid.

Nialamide is effective for depression characterized by anergic symptoms, endogenous depression, and reactive depression.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• an irregular heartbeat
• chest pains

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Nialamide and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• insomnia
• vertigo
• hyperhidrosis
• weight gain
• vomiting
• tachycardia
• constipation
• dry mouth
• upset stomach
• orthostatic hypotension and decreased systolic pressure

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.