How MAOIs Work and Common Side Effects

How MAOIs Work and Common Side Effects Panic Disorder Treatment Print How MAOIs Work and Common Side Effects By Sheryl Ankrom linkedin Sheryl Ankrom is a clinical professional counselor and nationally certified clinical mental health counselor specializing in anxiety disorders. Learn about our editorial policy Sheryl Ankrom Updated on September 23, 2019 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids DIN / Getty Images Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of c that were developed in the 1950s. Theyre effective in treating depression, panic disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Although theyre generally as effective as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants  (TCAs), theyre used less frequently because of necessary dietary precautions and risks of adverse reactions when mixed with certain drugs. Some common MAOIs include: Phenelzine (nardil)Tranylcypromine (parnate)Isocarboxazid (marplan)Selegiline (emsam) Emsam is a transdermal (skin) patch thats applied once a day. This mode of administration may be less likely to cause the dietary complications associated with an oral route of administration. How MAOIs Work Its believed that the brain contains several hundred different types of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that act as communication agents between different brain cells. These chemical messengers are molecular substances that can affect mood, appetite, anxiety, sleep, heart rate, temperature, aggression, fear, and many other psychological and physical occurrences. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that degrades or breaks down three neurotransmitters associated with mood and anxiety: Serotonin: This neurotransmitter plays a role in modulating anxiety, mood, sleep, appetite, and sexuality.Norepinephrine: Also known as noradrenaline, norepinephrine influences sleep and alertness and is believed to be correlated to the fight-or-flight stress response.Dopamine: Besides influencing body movement, dopamine is also believed to be involved in motivation, reward, reinforcement, and addictive behaviors. Many theories of psychosis suggest that dopamine plays a role in psychotic symptoms. MAOIs reduce the activity of the enzyme MAO. Less MAO results in higher levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain. The benefits of these increases are improved mood and an anti-panic effect. Common Side Effects of MAOIs This list is not all-inclusive and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. You should report all medication-related side effects to your doctor. Decreased sleep/insomniaNauseaDiarrheaDry mouthHypertension (high blood pressure)Hypotension (low blood pressure)DizzinessWeight gainEdema (water retention)Sexual dysfunctionMuscle spasmsWeaknessConfusion Tyramine-Induced Hypertension Crisis Tyramine is a compound found in many foods. This compound has an effect on blood pressure and is regulated by the MAO enzyme. When the MAO enzyme is inhibited (for instance, when you take an MAOI), tyramine can reach dangerously high levels, resulting in critically high blood pressure. While taking an MAOI, it will be necessary to avoid foods and beverages high in tyramine to prevent potentially fatal high blood pressure spikes. Other Precautions and Contraindications Before beginning MAOI therapy, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: Renal disease (kidney disease)Seizure disorderCardiovascular disease (i.e., previous heart attack, heart disease)Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)Hypertension (high blood pressure)Diabetes Tell all of your treating providers that youre taking an MAOI. This includes physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and other healthcare providers. Do not take any medications without your doctor’s approval. Serotonin Syndrome Dangerously high levels of serotonin in the brain can cause a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This rare condition is usually the result of an interaction of two or more drugs that affect brain serotonin levels. Even some over-the-counter supplements, such as St. John’s Wort, can result in serotonin syndrome if mixed with MAOIs. To reduce the risk of serotonin syndrome, MAOIs should never be taken with SSRIs or TCAs. Its recommended that other antidepressant therapy not begin until 10 to 14 days after discontinuation of an MAOI. Pregnancy The research on pregnancy and MAOI therapy is limited. Its recommended that MAOI therapy is avoided during pregnancy. If youre nursing or pregnant, its best to discuss the risks and benefits of MAOI therapy with your doctor. Discontinuation Syndrome Some people have reported withdrawal-like symptoms when decreasing or stopping MAOI therapy. Its believed that these symptoms are a result of the brain trying to stabilize serotonin and norepinephrine levels after an abrupt change. Symptoms that may occur during discontinuation of MAOI therapy include: NauseaHeadacheMuscle achesDizzinessElectric shock-like sensations in the neck and head While none of these symptoms are believed to be dangerous, they can be quite disconcerting. Dont reduce or discontinue MAOI therapy without consulting your doctor. Should You Quit Your Antidepressant Cold Turkey? Risk of Suicide The association of increased suicidal thoughts with antidepressant treatment, especially among adolescents, has been a center of attention and controversy in recent years. In response to the concerns suggested in case studies and some research, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement in 2007. It proposed that makers of all antidepressant medications include a warning on their products about a possible increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in young adults, ages 18 to 24, during initial treatment. So far, researchers have not found a definitive answer about the antidepressant-suicide connection. For the vast majority of people, antidepressants decrease depression and alleviate the helplessness and hopelessness that consumes their daily existence. But, for a very small percentage of people taking antidepressants, this may not be the case. If youre concerned about this issue, be open with your doctor and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The 7 Best Online Help Resources for Depression