What are MAOI Antidepressants?
MAOIs, nor monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are an older type of antidepressant. The best-known MAOIs are Parnate (tranylcypromine) and Nardil (phenelzine). These work by blocking the monoamine oxidase enzyme, which allows the neurotransmitters to carry out their usual functions. These drugs are not prescribed as much as some other types because they can have quite bad side effects, including dietary restrictions because of the risk of hypertension. Some psychiatrists consider that these drugs work very well for atypical depression EMSAN (selegiline) has recently been launched by Somerset Pharmaceuticals and this is a transdermal patch that does not have he MAOI side effects.
