how do mao inhibitors effect the brains function?

Answer 1

I don't remember the scientific explanation of MAO inhibitors, but I have experience with a few different kinds of antidepressants, and I don't recommend them at all!
Doctors prescribe them way too much, and they can really be harmful. I never had a good experience with them. I don't believe that taking drugs can help a person deal with depression. My depression was pretty severe, but drugs made me worse. I eventually learned that the only way to get rid of it for good was to deal with my problems. I had to figure out what caused my depression, and talk to people about it. Counselling can really help.
Psychiatrists never really helped me... except one who told me to stop taking my medication. But other counsellors / psychologists were good.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

MAOI's, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, were among the first drugs used in psychiatry. They work by inhibiting the breakdown of monoamines (by binding to a site on the enzyme which brings about their breakdown - monoamine oxidase), several of which are important in the brain's function. The main monoamines affected are serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, which are important neurotransmitters.

There are 2 types of MAO; the type used in depression are referred to as MAO-A inhibitors, as they affect the A type of the enzyme. MAO-A mostly prevents breakdown of serotonin and noradrenaline - useful in depression as activity of serotonin and noradrenaline is reduced in people with clinical depression.

MAO-B mainly affects dopamine. Reduced levels of dopamine are found in Parkinson's disease, increased levels in psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia. MAO-B inhibitors are used in Parkinson's disease as they boost dopamine levels.

Tyramine is another type of monoamine, found in food including cheese, game, bovril and yeast extract and broad beans. Excessive amounts can cause a sharp rise in blood pressure, though this is not a problem as the body breaks it down very quickly. However, with MAOI-A's, levels can become very high so these foods need to be avoided to prevent a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

There are more complex longer term effects, but essentially they work through raising the serotonin & noradrenaline activity (for example by reducing numbers of certain noradrenaline receptor subtypes).

Although the main effects on monamines is known, it doesn't fully explain how it treats depression - as with lots of drug treatments. However, it is known that they work in about 60% of people within 3 months of starting treatment.

Hope this helps, all the best

Answer 3

Dont they help the brain to produce the chemical that makes you feel happy??

Answer 4

happiness i would speak to Dr about this