Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Question 1

What are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Answer 1

A class of antidepressants that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase

Question 2

What is the function of monoamine oxidase in the brain?

Answer 2

It breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine

Question 3

How do MAOIs affect neurotransmitter levels?

Answer 3

By blocking monoamine oxidase, they increase levels of neurotransmitters

Question 4

What neurotransmitters are affected by MAOIs?

Answer 4

• Serotonin
• Norepinephrine
• Dopamine

Question 5

What is the primary effect of MAOIs on mood?

Answer 5

They help to improve mood

Question 6

What symptoms do MAOIs help reduce?

Answer 6

• Symptoms of depression
• Symptoms of anxiety

Question 7

What enzyme is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine?

Answer 7

Monoamine Oxidase

Monoamine oxidase is crucial for regulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

Question 8

What do MAOIs do to monoamine oxidase activity?

Answer 8

MAOIs block the activity of monoamine oxidase

This prevents the breakdown of neurotransmitters.

Question 9

What is the effect of MAOIs on neurotransmitter levels in the brain?

Answer 9

MAOIs increase the availability of neurotransmitters

This leads to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.

Question 10

What are the two types of monoamine oxidase that non-selective MAOIs inhibit?

Answer 10

MAO-A and MAO-B

Non-selective MAOIs affect both types, influencing various neurotransmitters.

Question 11

Which type of MAOI specifically inhibits the breakdown of dopamine?

Answer 11

Selective MAO-B Inhibitors

These are particularly relevant for conditions involving dopamine.

Question 12

What distinguishes reversible MAOIs from other MAOIs?

Answer 12

Reversible MAOIs can be reversed

They do not permanently change the enzyme’s activity.

Question 13

List two examples of MAOIs.

Answer 13

• isocarboxazid
• phenelzine
• tranylcypromine
• selegiline

These are commonly prescribed MAOIs.

Question 14

What types of depression are MAOIs used to treat?

Answer 14

Various types of depression, including atypical depression and treatment-resistant depression

They are often considered when other treatments fail.

Question 15

Name one anxiety disorder that MAOIs can help treat.

Answer 15

Panic disorder

They may also be used for social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder.

Question 16

What neurological condition can MAOIs be used to treat?

Answer 16

Parkinson’s disease

They may also be effective for some other neurological conditions.

Question 17

What are some common side effects of MAOIs?

Answer 17

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• insomnia
• dry mouth
• weight gain

These side effects vary in severity among individuals.

Question 18

What serious risk is associated with tyramine interaction in MAOI use?

Answer 18

Hypertensive crisis

This can occur if MAOIs are taken with foods and drinks high in tyramine.

Question 19

What should patients inform their doctor about when taking MAOIs?

Answer 19

All medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs

This is crucial to avoid dangerous drug interactions.

Question 20

True or False: MAOIs can be taken without professional supervision.

Answer 20

False

MAOIs should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Question 21

Patients taking MAOIs need to follow a strict diet to avoid foods high in _______.

Answer 21

tyramine

Foods to avoid include aged cheese, cured meats, and certain alcoholic beverages.

Question 22

What are some MAOIs approved to treat depression?

Answer 22

• Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are a class of antidepressant medications used for the treatment of depression.