Describe the mechanism by which monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) benefit depressed persons. What caution might a physician give to a patient taking the drug?

What will be an ideal response?

MAOIs treat depression by inhibiting the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase. Typically, this enzyme breaks down neurotransmitters in the brain (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin). When the enzyme is blocked from doing its job, the availability of the neurotransmitters is increased, which causes the antidepressant effect. A patient taking an MAOI drug needs to refrain from eating foods that contain tyramine because of a drug interaction effect that may result in a hypertensive crisis. Some of these foods include wines, aged, pickled, or smoked meats, caffeine beverages, and chocolate, to name a few.