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MAO inhibitors are antidepressants, used mainly in the treatment of depression, but also Parkinson’s disease or hypotension. These drugs were discovered by accident during the treatment of tuberculosis. MAO inhibitors are increasingly prescribed as first-line drugs in the treatment of depressive disorders. What are they and how do they work?
Depression is a serious mental disorder that can affect anyone regardless of age. The disease attacks more and more often. Unfortunately, depression is also a problem for younger and younger people. Among the many treatments, doctors often recommend the use of antidepressants. One of them are MAO inhibitors, i.e. monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
MAO inhibitors – action
MAO inhibitors, i.e. monoamine oxidase inhibitors, affect the enzymes responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters. Thanks to MAO inhibitors, these enzymes are no longer active. The effect of MAO inhibitors is to increase the concentration of, among others, serotonin and dopamine.
The essence of depression is the reduced level of these substances. When a depressed patient is given MAO inhibitors, his mood, sleep and concentration improve.
Modern MAO inhibitors are much safer to use. Their effectiveness outweighs the risk of side effects. It is worth noting that the first MAO inhibitors were phased out because they had strong interactions with both drugs and food.
The effect of MAO inhibitors is visible only after about 2 weeks or even a month. To feel better, take them regularly every day. Treatment with MAO inhibitors can last 6-9 months or even a lifetime. Discontinuation of MAO inhibitors is gradual and under medical supervision. The length of the withdrawal time depends on the duration of the intake.
MAO inhibitors can damage the liver and increase blood pressure. Therefore, when taking MAO inhibitors, you should follow the instructions of your doctor and exercise extreme caution. Due to the high risk associated with taking MAO inhibitors, they are used today as selective blocking drugs.
MAO inhibitors – indications
MAO inhibitors are divided into two groups:
- MAO-A inhibitors – these are safe drugs used in the treatment of depression and social phobias;
- MAO-B inhibitors – these drugs are used in Parkinson’s disease.
MAO inhibitors – occurrence in nature
Plants containing substances that act like MAO inhibitors have been known all over the world for a very long time. Herbs containing MAO were used, for example, by shamans to put people into a trance or hallucinatory state. In this case, MAO inhibitors were used together with various narcotic substances, thanks to which these conditions lasted longer.
Among these types of combinations, the most famous was the drink prepared in South America by local shamans. This drink is used to treat depression, but it should be remembered that the use of herbs naturally containing MAO inhibitors can have negative consequences for our health and are often life threatening. The effects of natural MAO inhibitors are not scientifically proven and should not be trusted or used.
MAO inhibitors – precautions
MAO inhibitors can interact with tyramine, which is found in many foods. Therefore, you should be especially careful with animal products such as cheese or cold meats, but also with, for example, wine. When using MAO inhibitors, you should also be careful about any stimulants that also interact with them. Many narcotic substances should be avoided. Inhibitors block their degradation, and their high concentration for a long time can lead to death.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.