MAOIs

Question 1

What are the common MAOIs drugs?

Answer 1

• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• Selegilene (Emsam) - Transdermal patch

Question 2

What is the expected pharmacological action?

Answer 2

Blocks MAO in the brain thereby increasing dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine available in the transmission of impulses. Intensifies responses and relieves depression.

Question 3

Therapeutic uses?

Answer 3

Depression and Bulimia nervosa

Question 4

Common adverse effects

Answer 4

• CNS stimulation (anxiety, agitation, hypomania, mania, muscle twitching)
• Orthostatic hypotension
• weight gain
• edema
• cardiac rate and rhythm
• sexual dysfunction
• Hypertension and tyramine toxicity (if dietary limitations are not followed).

Question 5

Common contraindication and precautions

Answer 5

• Contraindicated for concurrent use of antidepressants
• Contraindicated for patients with cardiovascular and cerebral-vascular diseases, and renal insufficiency
• Strict adherence of dietary limitation. No tyramine rich foods eq. aged cheese, salami, avocados, figs, bananas, smoked fish.