Explain the danger associated with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors

What will be an ideal response?

They alter the normal metabolism of a dietary amino acid, tyramine, such that if an individual consumes foods with a high tyramine content while taking MAO inhibitors, a hypertensive (high blood pressure) crisis can result. A severe headache, palpitations, flushing of the skin, nausea, and vomiting are some symptoms of this reaction, which has in some cases ended in death from a stroke. Patients taking MAO inhibitors must also avoid sympathomimetic drugs, such as amphetamines, methylphenidate, and ephedrine.