Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors And Their Side Effects

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or MAOIs are indeed the oldest class of antidepressants and are normally used when some other antidepressants have not been that efficient.

Maybe, you are now wondering why they are not used as a first-line depression treatment instead just like a second choice medication. Well, MAOIs can actually cause some serious effects like high blood pressure and eventually stroke and heart attack when certainly used with some particular foods, drinks, and other medications.

That’s why to avoid complications, MAOIs instead of being a first-line depression treatment, remain to be a second option.

Examples of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors normally include:

Common Side Effects

Aside from the ones aforementioned, MAOIs can still cause some other side effects such as:

Headaches
Dizziness
Insomnia
Weight gain
Sexual problems
Daytime sleepiness

Healthful Reminders

Compared to some other antidepressants, MAOIs indeed have lesser side effects. However, they can cause you a lot if not taken properly or if taken with some foods and drinks.

Normally, if in case you have taken an SSRI before, you cannot used MAOIs immediately. More or less, you will have to wait at least five weeks before taking any particular MAOI. This is usually done to avoid unlikely events as MAOIs when used with SSRIs can actually cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome; that may last a lifetime.

Similarly, if you love cheese, chocolate, beer, and wine, you will more or less have to refrain from such to as well as avoid some life-threatening complications.