Fatal Intoxication Due to Tranylcypromine

Abstract

Tranylcypromine (trans-DL-2-phenylcyclopropylaminc) is a potent inhibitor of monoamine oxidase recommended for the treatment of severe reactive or endogenous depression in hospitalized or closely supervised patients. The drug is capable of producing numerous serious side effects, particularly hypertensive crises. Several fatalities have been reported due to the use of tranylcypromine, alone or in combination with other drugs (Babiak. 1961; Bacon, 1962; Bell and Scaff, 1963; MacCaig and Edmondson, 1969; Mawdsley, 1968). However, in only a few instances has post-mortem toxicological analysis been performed (Basalt et al., 1977; Cuthill et al., 1964; Griffiths, 1973). This communication concerns a fatal intoxication due to tranylcypromine. The results of toxicological analysis are presented and discussed in relation to previously reported tranylcypromine deaths.