Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Overview

Consuming tyramine-rich foods such as avocados, cheese, wine, aged meats, and smoked fish is prohibited due to potential adverse reactions.
Avoiding barbiturates, meperidine (Demerol), tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is crucial for safety.

Antihypertensives, over-the-counter drugs, cold remedies, asthma medications, and nasal decongestants should be avoided due to significant interactions.

MAOIs are classified as antidepressants.
They work by blocking monoamine oxidase, which increases the availability of norepinephrine and serotonin in nerve terminals, enhancing antidepressant effects.

MAOIs are primarily used for patients with depression who have not responded to other treatments like SSRIs.

Patients with impaired renal or hepatic function and those with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases should not use MAOIs.

A hypertensive crisis may occur from consuming tyramine-rich foods; awareness of this is essential.
MAOIs can interact dangerously with various medications.

Possible side effects include CNS stimulation, leading to anxiety, agitation, hypomania, or mania.

Advise patients to steer clear of over-the-counter medications like cold remedies, nasal decongestants, and asthma treatments.
Ensure patients inform all healthcare providers about their MAOI use to prevent complications.
Regularly assess mood changes and evaluate for any suicidal tendencies.
Determine if patients require assistance with dosing or are capable of self-dosing.
Educate patients on avoiding tyramine-rich foods and additional items like chocolate and caffeinated beverages to mitigate risk of hypertensive crises.