Tranylcypromine addiction: a case report and review.

The authors report a case of tranylcypromine addiction and review the literature on the subject. Since the drug was first marketed in 1960, a total of 18 cases have been described. Predisposing risk factors and potential mechanisms for addiction are discussed. Given the current trend toward using tranylcypromine more frequently and in higher therapeutic doses for refractory depression, a greater index of suspicion for self-medication with this drug is warranted.