Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Introduction

• MAOIs: Class of antidepressants known for many drug and food interactions.
• Mnemonic: Think of Maui (island) to remember MAOIs.

Common MAOI Drugs

1. Isocarboxazid
   • Symbol: Ice cubes
   • Remember: Ice cube oxazid
2. Phenylzine
   • Symbol: Fennel
   • Remember: Fennel for phenylzine
3. Tranylcypromine
   • Symbol: Waitress in training
   • Remember: Training for tranylcypromine

Uses of MAOIs

• Used to treat: Depression
• Not first-line treatment: Due to many side effects and interactions

Important Reactions and Side Effects

Hypertensive Crisis

• Symptoms: Severely high blood pressure (≥180/120), headache, neck stiffness
• Cause: Increases pressure in arteries
• Trigger: Foods containing tyramine (wine, aged cheeses, processed meats, chocolate, yogurt, pickled/fermented foods)

Serotonin Syndrome

• Symbol: Happy face (serotonin)
• Symptoms: Agitation, restlessness, tachycardia, hypertension, muscle rigidity
• Cause: Overload of serotonin signaling
• Avoid: Other serotonin-altering drugs (SSRIs, TCAs)

Key Points for NCLEX

• Drugs: Isocarboxazid, phenylzine, tranylcypromine
• Diet: Avoid foods with tyramine
• Drug Interaction: Do not mix MAOIs with other serotonin drugs within 2 weeks (risk of serotonin syndrome)

Recap

• MAOIs: Used to treat depression but not first-line due to risks
• Key Issues: Hypertensive crisis from tyramine, serotonin syndrome from drug interactions

Next Steps

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Conclusion

• Visual mnemonics can help recall all key facts about MAOIs for test day.