Why are SSRI medications prescribed more readily by general practice physicians than MAO inhibitors?

Answer 1

The shorter answer would be this: due to the potentially lethal dietary and drug interactions of MAOIs, psychiatrists will usually hold off on using them.They have been reserved as a last line of defense, used only when other classes of antidepressant drugs (tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs) have been tried unsuccessfully. Plus they are more specific, whereas SSRIs have a broader area of effect for mental illnesses. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Because MAO inhibitors have much worse side effects. There are several dietary restrictions, for example. Somebody could eat a piece of cheese or drink some kind of wine; and go into a coma or die from hypertensive crisis (sharp increase in blood pressure). SSRI meds are generally a lot safer for most people. Most doctors won't prescribe MAO inhibitors unless it's the only thing that works for the patient after trying everything else.

Answer 3

SSRIs are "safer" medicines that the MAO inhibitors. Also, with MAOIs you have to follow a strict diet where that's not the case with the SSRIs. Also SSRIs have fewer interactions than the MAOIs.

IMO: The newer meds always seem to be prescribed more than the older ones like a med trend...

Answer 4

My first thought is that with MAO inhibitors you have to be very conscientious of what you eat and other medicines you take that lessen the MAO's efficacy. Just look at most drug labels, it'll say don't take if you are on MAOI... Also, there's alot of food you need to avoid and most people aren't so good at restricting their dietary choices!

Answer 5

They have far less complications than the MAOs.