monoamine oxidase inhibitor
Quick Summary
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs used to treat depression. They work by inhibiting monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. By preventing the breakdown of these neurotransmitters, MAOIs allow them to accumulate, which is thought to help alleviate symptoms of depression.12
MAOIs were among the first antidepressants discovered in the 1950s. However, due to potential side effects and dangerous interactions with certain foods (like those containing tyramine) and other medications, they are often used when other antidepressants have not been effective.12
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antidepressant…which include the tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Other important groups include the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and the atypical antidepressants, a disparate group of agents that possess unique structural features and mechanisms of action.
Read More…which include the tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Other important groups include the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and the atypical antidepressants, a disparate group of agents that possess unique structural features and mechanisms of action.
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MAOIs have the potential to produce dangerous drug interactions. This is especially true of tyramine, which can cause hypertension and severe headache. Tyramine is found in many foods, which forces patients who take it to adhere to a specific diet.
Read MoreMAOIs have the potential to produce dangerous drug interactions. This is especially true of tyramine, which can cause hypertension and severe headache. Tyramine is found in many foods, which forces patients who take it to adhere to a specific diet.
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