What do they mean when they use the word MAOI when talking about medications and drugs..?

Question

what is it used for and what does it mean

Answer 1

It's a kind of drug. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors. They are used as antidepressants. Their use however is now limited due to complicated dietary restrictions. MAOI include phenelzine, isocarboxazid, and tranylcypromine.

Answer 2

MAOI are monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that is responsible for the catabolism of foods as well as inactivating some neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine play important roles in depression - the lower the level of each, the more likely the person is depressed. By inhibiting this enzyme, serotonin and norepinephrine are thus increased, decreasing depression.

When you ingest monoamines, such as tyramine-containing foods (one of the warnings on the bottles) or monoamine drugs (such as SSRIs - prevent the reuptake of serotonin - even MORE serotonin in the synapse), there is a significant build up of those chemicals which can cause many adverse effects such as hypo- or hypertension that can actually kill a person. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor. It is an old class of drugs used to treat depression. It has fallen out of favor with doctors because of its serious side effects and availability of new SSRI antidepressants. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) have fewer side effects and are very effective (e.g. Prozac). There is however a rare form of depression which use of MAOI is indicated. The condition is called atypical major depression. Patients with atypical depression due not respond to typical antidepressants but do respond to MAOI for unknown reasons.

Answer 4

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors treat depression by preventing the breakdown of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing their availability. These medications are not used often because of their potential side effects and need for a special diet.