Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are antidepressant medications used to treat depression. The Mayo Clinic says these medications can also manage headaches and panic disorders. Specifically, MAO inhibitors interfere with monoamine oxidase, a substance produced in the brain. This reduces depression. Phenelzine, isocarboxacid and tranylcypromine are MAO inhibitors.
Phenelzine
Drugs.com says phenelzine is a last-resort medication used to treat depression when other antidepressants have been unsuccessful. Specifically, phenelzine treats the sadness, fear and worry of depression, but it does not treat severe depression or bipolar disorder.
Drugs.com says that phenelzine's common side effects include constipation, trouble sleeping, impotence, constipation and weakness or drowsiness. Phenelzine can also cause dry mouth, chest pain, a fast or slow heartbeat and strange behaviors or thoughts. This drug can also elevate your risk of suicide, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, cheese and fava beans. These foods interact with phenelzine and can cause very high blood pressure and even death.
Phenelzine is a tablet that is taken daily or as your doctor prescribes.
Isocarboxacid
Like phenelzine, isocarboxacid can also increase your risk of suicide and worsen your depression. Isocarboxacid's side effects include dry mouth, constipation, nausea, a headache, trouble sleeping and dizziness, says the National Library of Medicine. Chills, frequent urination, paresthesia, a pounding heartbeat and anxiety are isocarboxacid's other side effects. You should also avoid foods that contain tyramine when taking isocarboxacid, as this can lead to very high blood pressure. You will take 10mg of isocarboxacid two times a day, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Tranylcypromine
Tranylcypromine also can lead to suicide, and its use should not be combined with foods containing tyramine. Its side effects include stomach pain, dry mouth, a rash, hair loss, blurry vision, chills, a poor appetite, weakness, diarrhea and drowsiness. Tranylcypromine, like isocarboxacid, is a tablet taken twice a day.
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