Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are an older class of antidepressants. They work. However, they have strict rules. You have to Stay careful what you eat. You should Stay careful what you eat. If you break these rules, you risk serious side effects. If you are taking MAOIs, tell your doctor right away. Find a list of foods to avoid and medicines. Keep it handy. Wear a medical alert bracelet. It might save your life one day.
How MAOIs Change Brain Chemistry
These drugs slow down the natural breakdown of neurotransmitters. In particular, they block the activity of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme. This enzyme normally breaks down norepinephrine and serotonin. When MAO is inhibited, more of these chemicals remain in the synapse. An increase in norepinephrine and serotonin reduces the feeling of depression. This is the basic mechanism. It is simple and easy to understand. It is complex enough to require caution.
Side effects: from annoying to dangerous
Not everyone experiences side effects. Some people take MAOIs without problems. Others feel them intensely. Symptoms may disappear quickly. They can also stick for the entire treatment. Older patients are more sensitive. The same goes for people with high blood pressure. Cardiovascular diseases are important. Kidney disease is important. Seizure disorders matter. Hyperthyroidism is important. If you are not sure whether your symptoms are caused by the medicine or another reason, contact your doctor immediately.
Common but troublesome side effects
- extreme agitation.
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- fatigue
- flushed face
- Headache
- drop in blood pressure while standing
- Mood swings
- muscle pain
- nausea
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sleep disturbances
- stomach pain
- water accumulation
- weight gain
More serious side effects
These are relatively rare. But they are real.
- Blurred vision
- brain disorders
- heart irregularities
- high blood pressure
- Liver toxicity
- seizures
- Stroke
Interactions between drugs and alcohol
There are risks associated with mixing MAOIs with other drugs. Unwanted side effects may occur. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Make a list of the drugs taken in the last few weeks. Please Show them your prescriptions. Even better. Let your pharmacist see them.
Alcohol is dangerous here. anesthetics are also dangerous. Mixing MAOIs with these substances can cause very serious reactions. Don’t play with your brain chemicals.
Medicines to avoid while using MAOIs
Not all drugs in these classes will respond. Your doctor knows your medical history. They are the best judges. Before you start using an MAOI, make a list of everything you use. Talk to your pharmacist before buying over-the-counter medicines.
List of substances to avoid:
-alcohol
– allergy/cold remedies
– anesthetics
– Anti-anxiety medicine
– Asthma medicines
-barbiturates
– blood pressure medicines
– Cocaine
– Cough or cold medicine
– diabetes medication
– heart medicine
– Migraine medicine
– Muscle relaxant
– Narcotics or other painkillers
– Epilepsy drugs
– Stimulants
– recreational drugs
– Medications containing sulfur
– tremor medications
– diet pills
Foods to avoid while taking MAOIs
Diet matters. A lot. Certain foods contain chemicals that react with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. severe high blood pressure may result. This is not a mild headache. This is a crisis. Your doctor will explain this interaction to you in detail.
This list is partial. If in doubt, talk to your doctor before eating these items. Some foods should be avoided completely. Others can be eaten in small amounts. Ask for specific guidance.
Even if you stop taking MAOIs, you should still avoid these foods and medications. Continue this for at least two weeks. enzyme suppression is not immediately reversible.
Beverages
- beer
- Caffeinated drinks such as cola, coffee and tea
- liqueur
- red wine
- Sherry
Dairy products
- Aged cheeses (cheddar, parmesan, camembert, edam, american, blue, romano, roquefort, gruyere, swiss, mozzarella, etc.)
- sour cream
- Yogurt
Fish and meat
- aged meats
- Anchovies
- Beef or chicken liver
- caviar
- Meat extract (Marmite)
- fish, pickled or smoked
- meats, pickled or smoked
- poultry, pickled or smoked
- Summer (dry) sausage (e.g. pepperoni)
Fruits and vegetables
- Avocado (overripe)
- banana (overripe)
- Eggplant (overripe)
- broad beans or fava beans
- figs
- orange pulp
plums
plums - Raisins
spinach - tomatoes
Spices and Packaged Food
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
soups (packaged) - soy sauce
- yeast vitamin supplement
Other
- chocolate
- soy
- Yeast products
“If you stop taking MAOIs, you should continue to avoid these foods and medications for at least two weeks.”
The chemistry is unforgiving. It does not care if you forgot. It doesn’t matter if you think it’s safe in small doses or not. The stakes are high. The consequences are serious. Stay informed. Stay careful. The MAOI world is small. Go ahead with your eyes open.
