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What Drugs Contain Maoi?

Mark Halsey
Chief Editor of - Cleanbreak Recovery

Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands...Read more

If you or someone you know is taking medication to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may be wondering if they are taking a drug that contains MAOI. MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are a type of antidepressant that has been around for decades, and there are a variety of medications that contain them. In this article, we’ll explore what drugs contain MAOIs, their potential side effects, and when they may be prescribed.

What Drugs Contain Maoi?

What Medications Contain Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of medications used to treat depression and other mental health disorders. MAOIs work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Blocking this enzyme leads to increased levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can produce an antidepressant effect. MAOIs are effective in treating depression but can have severe side effects, including high blood pressure, weight gain, and increased risk of suicide.

The most commonly prescribed MAOIs are phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), and selegiline (Emsam). These medications are usually taken once or twice a day and may take several weeks to begin working. MAOIs should not be taken in combination with other antidepressants or with certain foods and medications that contain tyramine. Taking MAOIs can also cause drug interactions with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking.

Phenelzine (Nardil)

Phenelzine (Nardil) is a type of MAOI that is used to treat depression. It works by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, phenelzine increases these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can produce an antidepressant effect. Phenelzine is usually taken once or twice a day and may take several weeks to begin working.

Phenelzine can cause serious side effects, including high blood pressure, weight gain, and increased risk of suicide. It should not be taken in combination with other antidepressants or with certain foods and medications that contain tyramine. Taking phenelzine can also cause drug interactions with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking.

Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Tranylcypromine (Parnate) is a type of MAOI that is used to treat depression. Like other MAOIs, it works by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, tranylcypromine increases these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can produce an antidepressant effect. Tranylcypromine is usually taken once or twice a day and may take several weeks to begin working.

Like other MAOIs, tranylcypromine can cause serious side effects, including high blood pressure, weight gain, and increased risk of suicide. It should not be taken in combination with other antidepressants or with certain foods and medications that contain tyramine. Taking tranylcypromine can also cause drug interactions with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking.

Isocarboxazid (Marplan)

Isocarboxazid (Marplan) is a type of MAOI that is used to treat depression. Like other MAOIs, it works by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, isocarboxazid increases these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can produce an antidepressant effect. Isocarboxazid is usually taken once or twice a day and may take several weeks to begin working.

Like other MAOIs, isocarboxazid can cause serious side effects, including high blood pressure, weight gain, and increased risk of suicide. It should not be taken in combination with other antidepressants or with certain foods and medications that contain tyramine. Taking isocarboxazid can also cause drug interactions with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking.

Selegiline (Emsam)

Selegiline (Emsam) is a type of MAOI that is used to treat depression. Like other MAOIs, it works by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, selegiline increases these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can produce an antidepressant effect. Selegiline is usually taken once or twice a day and may take several weeks to begin working.

Like other MAOIs, selegiline can cause serious side effects, including high blood pressure, weight gain, and increased risk of suicide. It should not be taken in combination with other antidepressants or with certain foods and medications that contain tyramine. Taking selegiline can also cause drug interactions with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A MAOI?

A Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) is a type of medication used to treat depression. MAOIs work by blocking the action of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, which breaks down the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This helps to increase the levels of these neurotransmitters, which can help improve mood.

What Drugs Contain Maoi?

There are several drugs that contain MAOIs, including Phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate), and Isocarboxazid (Marplan). Other MAOIs include Selegiline (Emsam), Moclobemide (Manerix), and Reversible Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase-A (RIMAs).

What Are The Side Effects Of MAOIs?

Common side effects of MAOIs include insomnia, anxiety, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain. They can also cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure if combined with certain medications or foods.

When Should MAOIs Not Be Used?

MAOIs should not be used in people with a history of heart disease, stroke, or certain psychiatric conditions. They should also not be used within two weeks of taking another antidepressant, as this can cause a dangerous reaction.

Are MAOIs Still Used Today?

Yes, MAOIs are still used today. They are typically used when other types of antidepressants have not been successful. MAOIs can be very effective, but they can also cause serious side effects, so they should be used with caution.

How Are MAOIs Used?

MAOIs are usually taken orally once or twice daily. It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor when taking MAOIs, and to avoid certain foods and medications that can interact with the drug. It may take several weeks for the full effects of the medication to be felt.

Atypical antidepressants : monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) , CNS Pharmacology , Dr Rajesh Gubba

In conclusion, Maoi drugs are an important class of antidepressant medications that can be used to treat mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. While there are a few drugs that contain Maoi, they should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor or a mental health professional. Taking Maoi drugs on your own can be dangerous and may cause serious side effects. Therefore, if you are considering taking a Maoi drug, it is important to speak to your doctor or therapist first.

Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands the complex needs of those struggling with addiction and utilizes a comprehensive and holistic approach to address them. He is well-versed in traditional and innovative therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions.

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