Monoamine oxidase inhibitors treat depression by preventing the breakdown of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing their availability. These medications are not used often because of their potential side effects and need for a special diet.

Antidepressants in this class of drugs used for bipolar disorder include:

• Nardil (phenelzine)
• Parnate (tranylcypromine)

Like other classes of antidepressants, the MAOIs take several weeks to begin working. Your doctor may also prescribe a sedative to help relieve anxiety, agitation, or sleep problems while the antidepressant begins to work. You will also need to monitor what foods you eat to avoid side effects.

MAOI Side Effects

Eating certain smoked, fermented, or pickled foods, drinking certain beverages, or taking certain medications can cause severe, sudden high blood pressure in combination with MAOIs. People taking these antidepressants must follow a special diet.

Common side effects may include:

• Difficulty getting to sleep
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting
• Dry mouth, blurred vision, and appetite changes
• High blood pressure and changes in heart rate and rhythm
• Muscle twitching and feelings of restlessness
• Loss of sexual desire or ability
• Weight gain

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.

VitaDocs Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment