What it means
An MAOI: it blocks the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, so more of them stay active in the brain. Because that enzyme also breaks down tyramine from food, eating aged, fermented or cured foods while taking it can cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). It also reacts with many drugs.
For the nurse
Teach the low-tyramine diet: avoid aged cheese, cured or smoked meats, tap beer, soy sauce and other fermented foods. Report a sudden severe headache, stiff neck or pounding heart. Many drugs, including other antidepressants, some cold remedies and meperidine, must be avoided; a wait of about two weeks is needed when switching to or from another antidepressant. Watch for suicidal thoughts, as with all antidepressants.
Remember it
MAOIs: Mind Aged, Overripe Items (cheese, wine, cured meats).
At a glance
| Drug class | monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Parnate |
| Spanish | tranilcipromina |
Related terms
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
serotonin
A chemical messenger in the brain, gut and blood that helps control mood, sleep, appetite and other functions.