Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Question 1

How do monoamine oxidase inhibitors work?

Answer 1

serotonin and noradrenaline are metabolised by monoamine oxidase in the presynaptic cell

=> inhibiting monoamine oxidase means less breakdown of these neurotransmitters

Question 2

Give examples of NON-SELECTIVE monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Answer 2

tranylcypromine
phenelzine

Question 3

When are non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors commonly used?

Answer 3

• treatment of atypical depression (e.g. hyperphagia)

Question 4

Adverse effects of non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Answer 4

anticholinergic effects

hypertensive reactions with tyramine containing foods
e.g. cheese, pickled herring, Bovril, Oxo, Marmite, broad beans