MAO Inhibitors Quiz

MAO Inhibitors

• Non-selective MAO inhibitors (irreversible): Phenelzine (Nardil®), Isocarboxazid (Marplan®), Tranylcypromine (Parnate®)
• Selective MAO-A inhibitors (reversible): Moclobemide (Aurorix®)
• Pharmacokinetics: Well absorbed from the GIT, extensive first-pass effects may decrease bioavailability
• Therapeutic uses: Treatment of depression unresponsive to other antidepressants, anxiety disorders, and Parkinson's disease
• Contraindications: Use with other antidepressants due to risk of serotonin syndrome
• Drug switching: Wait 2 weeks after discontinuing another antidepressant before initiating an MAOI, except for Fluoxetine (wait 5-6 weeks)

Atypical Antidepressants

• Tetracyclic and unicyclic antidepressants with unique mechanisms of action
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin®): Weak norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), indicated for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, smoking cessation, and ADHD
• Mirtazapine (Remeron®): Blocks presynaptic α2-receptors, enhancing norepinephrine and serotonin release, used for major depressive disorder

Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

• Inhibit reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine into the presynaptic neuron
• May be effective in depression accompanied by chronic painful symptoms
• May produce serotonin syndrome and withdrawal syndrome
• Venlafaxine (Effexor®) and Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®): Potent inhibitors of serotonin reuptake and norepinephrine reuptake at higher doses

Other Treatments

• Thyroid hormones: Play a role in cognitive function, mood, and emotions
• Buspirone: Used as an augmenting agent
• Second-generation antipsychotics: Used as adjustments to antidepressant therapy
• Omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and vitamin B: May play a role in certain cases of depression
• Combination therapy: Overcomes adverse effects, uses lower doses, and adds therapeutics effects
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): High rates of response and remission, used for refractory depression, depression in pregnancy, and psychotic depression
• Medical devices therapy:
  • Deep brain stimulation (DBS): Used for treatment-resistant movement and affective disorders
  • Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): Used for treatment-resistant depression
  • Transcranial-magnetic stimulation (TMS): Used for treatment-resistant depression
  • Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES): Used for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain

Test your knowledge on the different types of MAO inhibitors, including non-selective and selective varieties. This quiz covers key medications such as Phenelzine, Isocarboxazid, Tranylcypromine, and Moclobemide. Learn about their classifications and characteristics.