What are Maois?

Maois, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are class of prescription drugs used to treat depression. They were discovered randomly in the 1950s, when Maoi iproniazide was used to treat tuberculosis, with its ability to lighten the mood. At that time, scientists tried to prove that depression was not a mere state of mind or character, but a disease. Maois, along with tricyclic antidepressants, were the first to pharmacologically deal with depression. However, negative and sometimes life -threatening side effects were quite common, and today the first line is depressed by selecting SSRI, serotonin reuptake inhibitors due to less side effects. Monoamine oxidase uses monoamins that carry three chemicals causing mood: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By reducing monoamine oxidases, more of these chemicals can circulate in the brain, thereby improving mood. People suffering from severe depression are assumed to have low levels of monoamine, and in these cases Maois may be prescribed toReduction of monoamine oxidase levels, so the brain can access more chemicals that increase mood.

Unfortunately, another function of monoamine oxidase is the elimination of tyramine, which controls blood pressure. High levels of thyramine without the presence of monoamine oxidase can be fatal, causing sudden spikes of blood pressure. Some meals naturally introduce tyramine into the bloodstream. Among them are liver, cheese, aging, such as salami or bologna, and most canned fruit.

While Maois was considered great miracles in discovery, scientists did not understand the connection between tabsence monoamine oxidase and tyramine. As a result, there were deaths and almost fatals among Maoi users, and in some countries, Maois was quickly pulled out of the market and replaced tricycles. Once a tyramine connection was created, Maois has been re -introduced, but their use is now governed by very strict diet instructions.

Avoiding the above foods together with food containing caffeine includes only part of the instructions. Maois cannot be combined with allergic drugs, many painkillers, mostly decongestants, mostly sedatives, tricyclic antidepressants and illegal drugs such as crystal meth and cocaine. Moreover, patients who showed suicidal behavior in the past are not good candidates for Maois because of the extreme risk of death if an overdose occurs.

Since the overdose is so dangerous, children under 16 should not take Maois. They are contraindicated in pregnancy because they can pass through the placenta and should not be used by nursing mothers. Maois can cause weight gain and tend to get users to feel "dazed" with sleepy or dizziness. Elder people may experience these side effects in particular. Maois can also reduce sexual desire. Those with manic depression or bipolar disorder should not take Maois because they may suffer highSerotonin levels, which can cause extreme mania, insomnia and hypeance.

Despite the negative impacts of Maoi, newer forms such as phenelzin, Nardil brand are considered one of the better options for atypical depression when the patient does not respond to the SSRIS. Atypical depression tends to be more serious and more common than melancholic depression. The mood can be situated, and those who suffer are not constantly depressed, but the declining mood results in overeating, monitoring and an increased risk of suicide.

Due to the risks associated with Maois, patients must ensure that they inform their doctors and during the drugs they use, even if they use these drugs only occasionally. Doctors should obtain complete medical history and determine the risk of suicide in patients, and in particular to exclude bipolar disorders. With vigilance and strict adherence to recommendations and contraindications, it can be very useful to receive Maois in combination with the therapy of calls in the treatment of depression.