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What are MAO Inhibitors?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, known as MAO inhibitors or MAOIs, are drugs used to treat depression and anxiety. These drugs can be quite dangerous and are usually employed when other lines of treatment are not effective for a patient. They are available by prescription only and patients on MAO inhibitors must observe a number of precautions. Two examples of such drugs on the market are phenelzine and selegeline.

These drugs work by interfering with the action of monoamine oxidase. This enzyme is used by the body to break down monoamines. These include a large group of neurotransmitters as well as amines in food. People with depression can have low levels of monoamine neurotransmitters like serotonin, epinephrine, melatonin, and norepinephrine. These contribute to a chemical imbalance that leads to depression. By blocking the enzyme that acts to break down these neurotransmitters, an MAO inhibitor allows levels of these transmitters to rise in the brain, contributing to a more balanced mood on the part of the patient.

Depression is the primary condition treated MAO inhibitors.
Depression is the primary condition treated MAO inhibitors.

While depression is the primary condition treated with MAO inhibitors, patients with some forms of anxiety, as well as Parkinson's disease, can also benefit from such drugs. The danger of MAO inhibitors lies in what makes them so effective; because the body cannot metabolize amines and monoamines properly while these drugs are in use, their levels in the body can build up, putting the patient in danger. Mixing MAOIs with medication that contain epinephrine, for example, will cause levels of this neurotransmitter to rise, leading to a dangerous spike in blood pressure.

Patients with Parkinson's disease can benefit from using MAO inhibitors.
Patients with Parkinson's disease can benefit from using MAO inhibitors.

There is a long list of medications that are dangerous with MAO inhibitors and such medications have warning labels to alert patients to the fact that they can interact badly with MAOIs. In addition, there are dietary conflicts that can be present as well. Foods that contain tryptophan or tyramine, present in aged and fermented foods, can interact poorly with an MAO inhibitor. Patients who consume these foods can die from the drug interaction.

Mixing MAO inhibitors with medications that contain epinephrine can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure.
Mixing MAO inhibitors with medications that contain epinephrine can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure.

When an MAO inhibitor is recommended for a patient, the patient should ask why the drug is being prescribed, how to take the drug, and what kind of precautions need to be taken. Many doctors provide their patients with a printout of potentially dangerous foods and medications to avoid. Patients should make sure that there is a note on their charts and at the pharmacy alerting people to the fact that they are taking an MAOI.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon925335

Get a blood workup before you go on anything. You could have an imbalance or nutrition problem that's causing your depression or anxiety or other health problems.

trekker

I have dealt with anxiety and moderate depression for several years. My doctor had me on several different types of MAO inhibitors, trying to find one that worked well for me and my symptoms. After having little success with prescription medications, I decided it was time to try something else.

I talked with my doctor and made sure to discontinue using my prescription in stages to prevent any danger from stopping suddenly. After doing some research, I decided to try some natural MAO inhibitors. I read a lot of articles and reviews before heading to the naturopathic store in town.

The herbal remedies I had decided to try were St. John’s Wart and Ginko Biloba. I also increased my vitamin B intake, as this helps keep neurotransmitter levels high. St. John’s Wart and Ginko Biloba can be fine together, but they do interact badly with other drugs, so I made sure to clear it with my doctor. So far, I prefer the herbal route over the prescription medication.

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    • Depression is the primary condition treated MAO inhibitors.
      By: theartofphoto
      Depression is the primary condition treated MAO inhibitors.
    • Patients with Parkinson's disease can benefit from using MAO inhibitors.
      By: marilyn barbone
      Patients with Parkinson's disease can benefit from using MAO inhibitors.
    • Mixing MAO inhibitors with medications that contain epinephrine can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure.
      By: Rob Byron
      Mixing MAO inhibitors with medications that contain epinephrine can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure.