What is the Cardarine phenelzine interaction risk?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am currently on 90 mg of Nardil (Phenelzine), which has proven to be a miracle drug for me. Over the years, I have found that many medications you are supposed to avoid while on MAOIs are really acceptable. For instance, to counteract the side effects of daytime sleepiness, I am actually on a small dose of Wellbutrin (Bupropion), which is supposedly contraindicated with Nardil. But I take it just fine with no impact on blood pressure.

In fact, I have never had a hypertensive response. Over the years, my weight has increased due to Nardil, and I am looking to do something drastic about this very soon. Specifically, I want to do a short run cycle of Cardarine (GW501516) to lose weight, while preserving muscle. Would it be dangerous to take this while on Nardil? By all accounts, my levels of MAOI are pretty low. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, you are right. Bupropion is contraindicated with MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) as it may cause seizures. Daytime sleepiness is very hard to avoid, but you may try some natural stimulants like green tea, and if needed, you can go for coffee. Also, if it is well tolerated by you, then it is not a big concern right now. But you can always try to stop Bupropion and try some other stimulants, as I mentioned.

Cardarine is a drug that binds to the PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), which then increases the expression of genes involved in the expenditure of energy. In other words, Cardarine activates the same genetic pathways that are involved in exercise, hence you lose weight.

Surely, Cardarine does not interfere with the MAOI pathway, and no interaction has been reported with Phenelzine. But, for your information, I want to tell you that athletes have abused this drug for a long time.

The drug development was halted by GSK (Glaxosmithkline) because animal testing showed that the drug caused cancer to develop rapidly in several organs. There are some articles in favor of its use, but I personally do not recommend.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.