Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of medications used to manage and treat depression, among other neurological and psychiatric illnesses. They were the first type of antidepressants developed and are effective in treating atypical depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorders, treatment-resistant depression, and, to some extent, bipolar disorder. The FDA-approved MAOIs in the United States include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline. MAOIs work by blocking the actions of monoamine oxidase enzymes, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression, such as sadness, anxiety, or worry, that have not responded to other antidepressants. However, MAOIs are not the first choice in treating mental health disorders due to several dietary restrictions, side effects, and safety concerns. They are typically only used when other antidepressants have proven ineffective.
MAOIs have a higher risk of drug interactions than standard antidepressants and can also interact with certain types of food such as aged cheeses and cured meats. Patients prescribed MAOIs must be aware of the time it takes to start experiencing the therapeutic effects of the drug, which is usually within two to three weeks. It is also important for patients to take the antidepressant for at least six months for the maximal therapeutic benefit.
In summary, MAOIs are a class of medications used to treat depression and other neurological and psychiatric illnesses, but they are not the first choice due to dietary restrictions, side effects, and safety concerns. They are typically prescribed when other antidepressants have proven ineffective.
