Pharmacology Antidepressant Agents Practice Test 2026 - Free Antidepressant Practice Questions and Study Guide

A common symptom of a hypertensive crisis, particularly in patients taking phenelzine, is tachycardia. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which can lead to dangerously high blood pressure when combined with foods containing tyramine or certain medications. The release of catecholamines (such as norepinephrine) during this crisis can cause an increase in heart rate, which manifests as tachycardia.

Recognizing tachycardia in this context is critical for ensuring prompt treatment and intervention to prevent serious complications. The other symptoms, while potentially significant in various clinical contexts, do not specifically align with the typical presentation of a hypertensive crisis involving a patient on phenelzine.