MAOI DIET

MAOIS AND HOW THEY WORK

    Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are antidepressants. They work by blocking an enzyme called monoamine oxidase. Normally, monoamine oxidases break down brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). MAOIs work to block the action of monoamine oxidases, in turn making the neurochemicals more available. Examples of neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

    When you have more of these chemicals in your body they can help treat depression and other illnesses, like Parkinson’s disease. MAOIs can help treat depression that is resistant to other treatments in some people.

    As with many medications, MAOIs may have side effects.

    MAOIs can interact with foods and other medications, so they are not usually the first choice of treatment.

    MAOIs can help treat depression that is resistant to treatment in some people.

    The MAOI antidepressants in Canada are the medications phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). MAO-B inhibitors include some medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease and an antibiotic, linezolid (Zyvoxam). An anticancer medication, procarbazine, also has MAOI properties.

SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH MAOIS

    As with many medications, MAOIs may have associated side effects. MAOIs can interact with foods and other medications, so they are not usually the first choice of treatment. Some common side effects associated with MAOIs are listed below. Most of these can get better the longer you use the medication. Your health care provider can help you manage some of these side effects:

-Drowsiness or feeling tired

-Energized, anxious or agitated feelings

-Dizziness or low blood pressure

-Dry mouth

-Constipation

-Nausea

-Weight gain

-Decrease in sex drive or sexual function

 

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS

    MAOIs can interact with other antidepressants, allergy medications, cough/ cold medications, pain medications and herbal supplements. Interactions with other medications may increase the risk of side effects. You should tell your health care provider if you take other medications, especially other antidepressants such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s), over-the-counter products and herbal supplements.

TYRAMINE AND MAOIS

    Tyramine is an amino acid (building block of protein) that occurs naturally in protein-containing foods and helps regulate blood pressure. As certain foods age, there is more tyramine in them. MAOIs block the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down tyramine and can result in high levels of tyramine in the body.

    The combination of taking an MAOI and eating foods high in tyramine can lead to high blood pressure that is dangerous to your health. This is called a hypertensive crisis and is linked to some or all of the following symptoms:

·                    Sudden, severe, throbbing headache which starts at the back of the head and moves forward

·                    Nausea and vomiting

·                    Neck stiffness

·                    Heart palpitations, chest pain

·                    Sweating, cold, and clammy skin

·                    Enlarged pupils of the eyes

·                    Sudden, unexplained nosebleeds

 

MAOI DIET

    A MAOI diet involves learning about foods that have moderate to high levels of tyramine and should be avoided to prevent a hypertensive crisis. A MAOI diet is in fact a low tyramine diet. For example, you should NOT EAT foods that are fermented or aged while you take an MAOI and for 14 days (2 weeks) after you stop an MAOI.