An MAOI is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. This is a specific class of drug that inhibits the ability of one or both of the monoamine oxidase enzymes, which are called MAO A and MAO B. MAOIs are usually administered for the treatment of depression, but they can also be very effective in the treatment of panic disorder and social phobia. MAOIs can be administered for the treatment of atypical depression, treatment-resistant depression, and Parkinson's disease. This class of drug can also lead to significant side effects, including a potential hypertensive crisis. For this reason, people who take MAOIs need to stay away from foods and beverages that contain tyramine. Some of the most common sources of tyramine include salami, soy sauce, and cheese. If large amounts of tyramine are ingested with MAOI medications, people's blood pressure can rise to unsafe levels.
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free: Call:1-800-273-TALK (8255) Text: HELLO to 741741
