Which food should a client taking phenelzine (Nardil) avoid?

Phenelzine (Nardil) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used primarily in the treatment of depression. One of the critical considerations for clients taking MAOIs is their dietary restrictions, particularly concerning foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is an amino acid that can cause hypertensive crises when consumed in large amounts while on MAOIs, as the medication inhibits the enzyme responsible for breaking down tyramine.

Salami is a type of cured meat that typically contains high levels of tyramine due to the fermentation process it undergoes. Consuming salami while on phenelzine can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure, resulting in symptoms such as severe headache, sweating, and palpitations. Therefore, clients taking phenelzine should strictly avoid salami and other similar aged or fermented foods.

In contrast, foods like roasted chicken, fresh fish, and hamburger generally do not contain significant amounts of tyramine and are safe options. While it is essential for anyone on MAOIs to follow specific dietary guidelines, avoiding salami is particularly critical due to its high tyramine content and the risk associated with consuming it while on phenelzine.