Phenelzine adverse reaction.

• A. Agitation and hypertensive crisis
• B. Weight gain
• C. Sedation
• D. Hypoglycemia

Answer: (D)

Phenelzine is an MAO inhibitor, so it raises levels of monoamines like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. The most important adverse effect to monitor is a hypertensive crisis that can occur if ty­ramine-containing foods or beverages are eaten, because the sudden surge of norepinephrine can cause a dangerous blood pressure spike. Beyond that, you’ll see other common adverse effects such as agitation or restlessness, insomnia, sedation, weight gain, and orthostatic hypotension, along with sexual dysfunction.

Hypoglycemia isn’t a typical direct effect of MAO inhibitors. If hypoglycemia occurs, it’s usually in the context of interactions with diabetes medications (for example, insulin or sulfonylureas) rather than a primary adverse reaction of the drug itself. So while it can appear in certain patient scenarios, the classic and most clinically relevant adverse reactions of phenelzine to watch for are hypertensive crises from tyramine and the other listed effects, not hypoglycemia.