Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Marplan Is Harder Than You'd Think

If you've been told that Marplan (Isocarboxazid) might help your depression, you've probably already discovered that getting a prescription isn't as simple as visiting your family doctor. Marplan is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) — one of the oldest classes of antidepressants — and most general practitioners don't prescribe it. In fact, many doctors have never written a prescription for it at all.

That doesn't mean you're out of luck. It just means you need to find the right doctor. This guide will walk you through exactly how to do that in 2026.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Marplan?

Marplan is almost exclusively prescribed by psychiatrists — specifically those with experience in treatment-resistant depression or psychopharmacology. Here's why:

• It's a last-line medication. Insurance companies typically require that patients try first-line antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs before approving Marplan. That means you'll need a doctor who can document your treatment history and navigate prior authorization requirements.
• It requires dietary monitoring. Marplan interacts dangerously with tyramine-containing foods, so your prescriber needs to educate you thoroughly on what to avoid.
• It has serious drug interactions. Your doctor needs deep pharmacology knowledge to safely manage Marplan alongside any other medications you take.

Primary care doctors can technically prescribe Marplan, but most won't because they lack the specialized training. If your PCP has suggested an MAOI, ask for a referral to a psychiatrist.

Psychopharmacology Specialists

Some psychiatrists specialize specifically in psychopharmacology — the science of using medications to treat mental health conditions. These specialists are your best bet for Marplan because they:

• Have extensive experience with MAOIs
• Know how to manage the dietary restrictions and drug interactions
• Are comfortable with the prior authorization process
• Can monitor you for side effects more effectively

How to Find a Provider Who Prescribes Marplan

Here are the most effective ways to find a psychiatrist experienced with MAOIs like Marplan in your area.

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start with your insurance company's online directory. Search for in-network psychiatrists near you, then call their offices and ask directly: "Does this provider have experience prescribing MAOIs like Marplan?" Not every psychiatrist will, so expect to make a few calls.

2. Try Zocdoc or Psychology Today

Zocdoc lets you search for psychiatrists by location, insurance, and availability. Psychology Today's "Find a Psychiatrist" tool is another excellent option — many profiles list specialties including treatment-resistant depression and psychopharmacology.

3. Ask for a Referral

If you already see a therapist, primary care doctor, or any mental health professional, ask them for a referral to a psychiatrist who has experience with MAOIs. Professional networks and word-of-mouth are often the fastest way to find the right specialist.

4. Contact an Academic Medical Center

University-affiliated hospitals and medical centers often have psychopharmacology clinics or mood disorder programs. These are among the most likely places to find a doctor comfortable prescribing Marplan. Search for "[your city] academic medical center psychiatry" or "[your city] mood disorders clinic."

5. What About Telehealth?

Telehealth has expanded access to psychiatrists enormously — but Marplan presents a special challenge. Because MAOIs require careful in-person monitoring (blood pressure checks, dietary compliance reviews), most telehealth platforms don't offer MAOI prescribing. You'll likely need at least your initial evaluation and early follow-ups to be in person.

That said, once you're stable on Marplan, some psychiatrists may be willing to continue follow-up appointments via video. Ask about this option once you've established care.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you meet with a psychiatrist about Marplan, here's what the conversation typically looks like:

Your Treatment History

The doctor will want a detailed list of every antidepressant you've tried, how long you were on each one, what dose you reached, and why you stopped. This is critical because insurers require documentation that you've tried and failed other options before approving Marplan.

Medical History Review

Marplan is contraindicated in patients with certain conditions including pheochromocytoma, congestive heart failure, severe kidney impairment, and liver disease. Your doctor will review your full medical history and may order blood work (including liver function tests) before prescribing.

Medication Review

Because Marplan has dangerous interactions with many common medications — including SSRIs, SNRIs, certain pain medications, decongestants, and even some cough medicines — your doctor will carefully review everything you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Dietary Education

You'll receive detailed instructions about the tyramine-restricted diet you'll need to follow while taking Marplan. This includes avoiding aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, soy sauce, red wine, and tap beer, among other items. Your doctor should give you a written list to take home.

Baseline Measurements

Expect to have your blood pressure taken. Orthostatic blood pressure (sitting vs. standing) is particularly important because Marplan can cause lightheadedness when you stand up.

After You Get Your Prescription

Getting the prescription is just the first step. Marplan can be very difficult to find in stock at pharmacies. Here's what to do next:

• Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have Marplan in stock — without having to call around.
• Ask your doctor's office if they know which local pharmacies carry it. Specialists who prescribe Marplan regularly often know where their patients have filled it successfully.
• Look into cost savings. Marplan costs $577–$700 for a 30-day supply without insurance. Check our guide to Marplan coupons, discounts, and patient assistance programs.
• Plan for the washout period. If you're switching from another antidepressant (especially an SSRI or SNRI), your doctor will require a washout period of at least 2 weeks (5 weeks for Fluoxetine/Prozac) before starting Marplan. Don't rush this — it's a safety requirement.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who can prescribe Marplan takes more effort than finding one for common antidepressants. But for people with treatment-resistant depression, Marplan can be genuinely life-changing. The key is to connect with an experienced psychiatrist, come prepared with your treatment history, and be patient with the process.

If you already have a Marplan prescription and need help finding it in stock, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy near you that has it available — no phone calls required.