Monoamine oxidase inhibitor

A medication that inhibits monoamine oxidase enzymes, slowing the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAO inhibitors are used chiefly to treat depression and certain neurological disorders.

Monoamine oxidase: An enzyme family that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters and dietary amines through oxidative deamination. These enzymes are the direct targets that MAO inhibitors block.
Major depressive disorder: A mood disorder marked by persistent depressed mood or loss of interest and associated symptoms that impair daily functioning. Some MAO inhibitors treat depression, particularly when other treatments have not worked.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: An antidepressant that blocks serotonin reuptake, increasing its availability at synapses. SSRIs are common alternatives with different interaction and dietary risk profiles.
Hypertensive crisis: A severe, acute rise in blood pressure that can cause organ damage and requires urgent treatment. Tyramine or interacting sympathomimetic drugs can provoke this emergency during MAO inhibition.
Monoamine oxidase A: An MAO isoform that preferentially metabolizes serotonin and norepinephrine, among other amines. Its inhibition helps explain many antidepressant effects and interactions.
Parkinson's disease: A progressive neurological disorder involving loss of dopamine-producing neurons and impaired movement. Selective MAO-B inhibitors can extend dopamine activity and reduce motor symptoms.
Tricyclic antidepressant: An antidepressant class that primarily inhibits norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake and also affects other receptors. Tricyclics offer another established antidepressant mechanism besides MAO inhibition.
Drug interaction: A change in a drug’s effects caused by another drug, food, or substance taken at the same time. MAO inhibitors have clinically significant interactions with numerous medicines and foods.
Monoamine oxidase B: An MAO isoform that metabolizes phenethylamine and contributes to dopamine breakdown, especially in the brain. Selective blockade of this isoform is used in Parkinson’s disease.
Phenelzine: An irreversible, nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitor used to treat depression. It exemplifies older antidepressant MAO inhibitors and their dietary precautions.

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