Antidepressant Meds: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Question 1

Examples

Answer 1

Phenelzine sulfate, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine

Question 2

Actions

Answer 2

Interferes with monoamine oxidase, allowing for increased concentration of neurotransmitters (epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin) in synaptic space, causing stabilization of mood.

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

Depression, Chronic pain syndromes

Question 4

Adverse Effects

Answer 4

Hypertensive crisis when taken with foods containing tyramine ( aged cheese, bologna, pepperoni, salami, figs, bananas, raisins, beer, chianti red wine) or OTC meds containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine.
Photosensitivity, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, orthostatic hypotension.

Question 5

Nursing Considerations

Answer 5

Not first-line drugs for depression
Should not be taken with SSRIs. Administer antihypertensive medications with caution. Avoid use of other CNS depressants, including alcohol. Discontinue 10 days before general anesthesia. Medications lower seizure threshold.
Monitor for urinary retention.