Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: onoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants, but their use has been limited by potentially fatal food and drug interactions.A clearer understanding of these interactions and the mechanism of action of these drugs, as well as knowledge of new formulations and delivery methods of MAOIs, could help clinicians make more use of this class of antidepressant.The MAOIs are effective for depression with atypical features 1 and depression that is treatment resistant.2 Although indicated by some guidelines 3 to treat these conditions, MAOIs are still underused.4 A main reason for reluctance to use MAOIs is due to the dietary and drug restrictions, which are required because food and drug interactions can cause serious and potentially fatal adverse events, such as hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.Newer formulations of MAOIs that have mechanisms of action different from those of older MAOIs may lessen the risk for these adverse effects and make this class of antidepressants worth reconsidering for some patients with depression. MechanisM of action of MaoisThe propensity for food and drug interactions of MAOIs is related to their mechanisms of action.The MAOIs inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative removal of monoamines, including serotonin, histamine, and the catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, as well as trace amines.5 By covalently bonding to MAO enzymes, MAOIs prevent the removal of these From the Indiana Institute for Personalized Medicine and the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.This article is derived from the planning teleconference series "A Fresh Look at Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors for Depression, " which was held December 2011 through February 2012 and supported by an educational grant from Mylan Specialty L.P. (formerly known as Dey Pharma, L.P.).Dr Flockhart has no personal affiliations or financial relationships with any commercial interest to disclose relative to this article.
Author: David A. Flockhart
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Mylan
OpenAlex ID: W2048077192