Discharge Instructions: Taking Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors

Your doctor prescribed a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor for you. MAO inhibitors help reduce the extreme sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in life that are typical in people with depression. MAO inhibitors are especially useful in treating people whose depression is combined with other problems such as anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, or the desire to sleep too much.

The  name of my MAO inhibitor is ____________________________________________.

Guidelines for Use

• Follow the fact sheet that came with your medication. It tells you when and how to take your medication. Ask for a sheet if you didn’t get one.

• Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter or herbal medications.

• Take your medication exactly as directed. This medication takes several weeks to reach its full effect. Because of this, it is important to take this medication every day, even if you believe that it is not helping your symptoms.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the dose you missed. Don’t take a double dose.

• Don’t drink alcohol while taking this medication.

• Avoid the following foods:

  • Sour cream and cheeses, except for American cheese, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt

  • Beer, sherry, Chianti, and other red wines

  • All distilled alcohols

  • Yeast/protein extracts (yeast is safe when baked, as in bread)

  • Smoked or pickled meats, fish, or seafood

  • Beef or chicken livers

  • Fermented sausages, such as bologna, pepperoni, salami, and summer sausage

  • Figs, raisins, and bananas

  • Fermented bean curd, soy beans, soy paste, soy sauce

  • Fava or broad beans

  • Large amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, colas)

  • Chocolate

  • Other high-protein foods that have deteriorated, such as old leftovers

• Don’t take this medication if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

• Don’t stop taking this medication without talking with your doctor. Severe withdrawal reactions (frightening dreams and confusion) may occur.

• Take a daily multivitamin with vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine) while taking MAO inhibitors.

• Store this medication in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children.

 

Possible Side Effects

Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects. Don’t stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to. Mild side effects include:

• Dizziness

• Lightheadedness

• Drowsiness

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Blurred vision

• Shakiness or trembling

• Restlessness

• Trouble sleeping

• Twitching during sleep

• Increased appetite (especially for sweets)

• Weight gain