RevisePsych

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Examples: moclobemide, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine.

 

• Mechanism of action: this inhibits monoamine oxidase, which prevents breakdown on monoamines and increased their availability in the synaptic cleft.

 

• Common side-effects

- Risk of hypertensive crisis - diet/medications, “cheese reaction”- prevents breakdown on tyramine.

- Anticholinergic, hepatotoxicity, insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, postural hypotension, sexual dysfunction, ankle oedema.