Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(Redirected from MAO inhibitors)
| Monoamine oxidase inhibitors | |
|---|---|
| Drug class | |
 3D structure of Monoamine oxidase | |
| Class identifiers | |
| Use | Treatment of depression |
| ATC code | N06 |
| Mechanism of action | Inhibition of MAO, preventing the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters |
| Biological target | Monoamine oxidase (MAO) |
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs that inhibit the activity of one or both monoamine oxidase enzymes: monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). They are best known for their use in the treatment of depression, but they can also be effective for anxiety disorders, Parkinson's disease, and several other conditions.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
MAOIs act by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, thus preventing the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters and thereby increasing their availability. There are two isoforms of monoamine oxidase, MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A preferentially deaminates serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The action of MAO-B mainly affects dopamine and phenethylamine.
Uses[edit | edit source]
MAOIs have been found to be effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions including:
- Depression: MAOIs appear particularly effective in the treatment of atypical depression.
- Anxiety disorders: They can also be used in the treatment of anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.
- Parkinson's disease: MAO-B inhibitors are used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Side Effects and Interactions[edit | edit source]
MAOIs can cause a number of side effects, including hypertension and serotonin syndrome. They can interact with a variety of foods and other drugs; in particular, they should not be combined with other antidepressants, certain pain killers, or certain kinds of food like aged cheeses and cured meats, as these can lead to a hypertensive crisis.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Monoamine oxidase inhibitor Resources | ||
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
