The client with depression has been hospitalized for 3 days on the psychiatric unit. this is the second hospitalization during the past year. the healthcare provider prescribes tranylcypromine sulfate because the client did not respond positively to a tricyclic antidepressant. if the client's diet includes foods containing tyramine, the nurse should teach the client about which possible reaction?

Tranylcypromine is an antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Usually, tyramine is broken down in the body by an enzyme MAO, So, when MAOI medicines are taken, excessive amounts of tyramine enter the bloodstream, which leades to the release of adrenaline-like substances (norepinephrine) in the body and consequently, increased blood pressure. Increased blood pressure could lead to problems such as strokes or heart attacks.

It is very important for the client to follow special dietary restrictions in order to limit the amount of tyramine in the diet. This includes, avoiding drinks with large amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate.