Which common side effect may occur with phenelzine use in clients?

Phenelzine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), is commonly associated with hypertension as a significant side effect. This occurs particularly when phenelzine is taken alongside tyramine-rich foods, which can cause a hypertensive crisis. Tyramine is an amino acid found in various foods, and when its levels rise in the body due to the inhibition of monoamine oxidase, it can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure. This interaction is a crucial consideration when prescribing phenelzine, as clinicians must educate clients on dietary restrictions to mitigate the risk of hypertension.

While other side effects like weight loss, severe headaches, or dry mouth can occur, they are not as prominently linked to phenelzine nor do they pose the same level of immediate risk as hypertension does. Therefore, the association of hypertension with phenelzine use is a critical aspect of its pharmacological profile that healthcare providers and clients must acknowledge and manage carefully.