- Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits the activity of monoamine oxidase, responsible for breakdown of monoamines. Inhibition results in increased synaptic noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin.
Clinical Use
- Indication
- Depression refractory to more commonly used medications.
- Contraindications
- Not for concurrent use with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
- Adverse Effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness / headache
- Drowsiness
- Elevated LFTs
- Weight gain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Postural hypotension
- Serotonin syndrome (when MAOis given with SSRIs / SNRIs) – confusion, agitation, ataxia, hyperreflexia, fevers, diaphoresis
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