MAOIs

Key points

• MAOIs (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide): block monoamine oxidase → ↑ noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine.
• Cheese reaction: tyramine-containing foods (cheese, yeast extracts, red wine, pickled foods) → hypertensive crisis.
• Dangerous interactions: SSRIs/other antidepressants (serotonin syndrome) — washout periods required when switching.
• Side effects: postural hypotension.
• Moclobemide is a reversible MAO-A inhibitor — safer but still avoid tyramine excess.

Decision points in this pathway

• Tyramine ingestion (cheese, yeast extract, red wine, pickled foods)?

The full step-by-step algorithm, including what to do at each branch, opens in the app for approved members.