Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
| Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) | Preparations | Comments |
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For specialist initiation only. There is potential for major food and drug interactions with MAOIs to varying degrees. Alcohol should also be avoided. See BNF for details on initiating treatment after another antidepressant has been stopped and for further details on interactions, side-effects and withdrawal. Patients should be provided with appropriate written information. |
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| Isocarboxazid† | 10mg tablets | Most hepatotoxic. Less prefered choice of medicine. |
| Phenelzine sulphate | 15mg tablets | Preferred MAOI – probably the most safest. Hepatoxic but less than isocarboxazid. |
| Tranylcypromine sulphate† | 10mg tablets | Has a greater stimulant action than other MAOIs and is more likely to cause a hypertensive crisis. Less hepatotoxic than phenelzine. Less preferred choice of medicine. |
| Reversible MAOI | ||
| Moclobemide | 150mg and 300mg tablets | Reduced risk of major food and drug interactions, however patients should still be advised to avoid large quantities of tyramine rich foods and sympathomimetic drugs. |
† - denotes a less preferred choice of medicine.
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