Depression is an illness, and antidepressants are often prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. These medications work on chemicals in the brain and are grouped into classes depending on their mechanism of action and the chemicals upon which they work.
History
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, were the first antidepressants and were formulated in the 1950s, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Function
MAOIs affect the enzyme monoamine oxidase. This enzyme breaks down serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, and MAOIs interfere with this process, allowing these neurotransmitters to remain in the brain longer, elevating the mood, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Types
Phenelzine, under the brand name Nardil; tranylcypromine, or Parnate; isocarboxazid, or Marplan; and the new transdermal patch selegiline, or Emsam, are all in the MAOI class of antidepressants.
Side Effects
Side effects of MAOIs may include weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure, muscle twitching, sweating, constipation, weight gain, trembling and sexual dysfunction, according to familydoctor.org.
Warning
MAOIs are not prescribed as much as other classes of antidepressants. Along with more serious side effects, users have to take special precautions with their diets and avoid foods high in tyramine, including chocolate, various cheeses, alcohol, pickled foods and some meats Eating these foods while on MAOIs increases the risk of stroke.
