Nonselective agents include: phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan) tranylcypromine (Parnate), furazolidine (Furoxone), and pargyline (Eutonyl) and selegiline (Eldepryl).
Monoamine oxidase enzymes cause oxidative deamination of endogenous and exogenous catecholamines.
Monoamine oxidase-A in the intestinal wall metabolizes tyramine in food.
MAOI therapy is associated with many adverse drug reactions, and patients are at risk of hypertensive emergency triggered by foods with high tyramine content, and certain drugs.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors permantly inhibit such enzymes until they are synthesized after 14 days or longer.
Can lead to accumulation, potentiation, and prolongation of catecholamines.
Structually related to catecholamines and amphetamines.
Recommended only for use in major depression with atypical features and for treatment of resistant depression.
Required dietary restrictions.
Should not be used in combination with SSRIs or any other drug that can increase serotonin activity because of the risk of serotonin syndrome.