This article describes Marplan’s dosages and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Marplan. If you want to know more about Marplan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Marplan is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet. It isn’t available as a generic version. This article describes dosages of Marplan.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Marplan has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Form and strength of Marplan
Marplan comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strength: 10 milligrams (mg)
Dosage of Marplan
This article describes the recommended dosages for Marplan. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Marplan without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Marplan in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Marplan. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Marplan that gives the desired outcome.
Once your condition has a maximum response to this medication, your doctor may start to reduce your dosage over several weeks.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| depression | 10 mg twice per day | • Dosage is individualized and adjusted based on your body’s response. • Typically, increased by one 10-mg tablet every 2–4 days up to a dose of four 10-mg tablets per day in 2–4 divided doses by the end of the first week of treatment. • Then, further increased by two 10-mg tablets per week to reach the maximum dose of 60 mg per day in 2–4 divided doses, as tolerated. | 60 mg per day in 2 or 4 divided doses |
Dosages of Marplan in children
Marplan is approved for use to treat depression in children ages 16 years and older. The recommended dosage is the same in this age group as in adults. See the section directly above for details.
Marplan has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This risk is increased in people younger than 24 years of age who have major depressive disorder (MMD).
Before starting Marplan, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with Marplan in this age group. See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Dosage adjustments for Marplan
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Marplan based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medication you may take
Missed dose of Marplan
Check with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Marplan. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Marplan and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Marplan and its dosage.
Is it best to take a dose of Marplan before or after eating food?
The drugmaker of Marplan doesn’t give recommendations on whether to take Marplan before or after eating food. Marplan can be taken with or without food. However, the drug can interact with certain foods.
For instance, it should not be taken with foods containing high amounts of tyramine. Some examples of these foods include:
- cheese, sour cream, and yogurt
- raisins
- canned figs
- avocados and bananas
- chocolate
- pickled and fermented foods
- alcohol
- caffeine
- meats prepared with tenderizers, liver, caviar, anchovies, and dry sausage
- pods of broad beans, such as fava beans
- yeast extracts and soy sauce
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure of which foods to avoid while taking Marplan.
Can Marplan be taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe Marplan as a long-term treatment. The effectiveness of Marplan hasn’t been studied for use longer than 6 weeks. Your doctor will evaluate the risks and benefits of prescribing Marplan for longer-term use.
If you have questions about how long you should take this medication, talk with your doctor.
How Marplan is taken
You’ll swallow Marplan tablets 2–4 times per day. It can be taken with or without food. But it can react with some foods, especially those high in tyramine. (See the “Frequently asked questions” section above for examples.) Alcohol, including nonalcoholic beer, should be avoided while taking Marplan.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Marplan should not be stopped suddenly. If you and your doctor decide to stop your Marplan treatment, they will slowly lower your dosage over time.
Marplan coupon
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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