| Monoamine oxidase inhibitor | |
|---|---|
| Drug class | |
 | |
| Class identifiers | |
| Synonyms | MAOI, RIMA |
| Use | Treatment of major depressive disorder, atypical depression, Parkinson's disease, and several other disorders |
| ATC code | N06AF |
| Mechanism of action | Enzyme inhibitor |
| Biological target | Monoamine oxidase enzymes: MAO-A and/or MAO-B |
| External links | |
| MeSH | D008996 |
| Legal status | |
| In Wikidata | |
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs that inhibit the activity of one or both monoamine oxidase enzymes: monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). They are best known as effective antidepressants, especially for treatment-resistant depression and atypical depression.[1] They are also used to treat panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, Parkinson's disease, and several other disorders.
Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (RIMAs) are a subclass of MAOIs that selectively and reversibly inhibit the MAO-A enzyme. RIMAs are used clinically in the treatment of depression and dysthymia. Due to their reversibility, they are safer in single-drug overdose than the older, irreversible MAOIs,[2] and weaker in increasing the monoamines important in depressive disorder.[3] RIMAs have not gained widespread market share in the United States.
- ^ Cristancho, Mario A. (20 November 2012). "Atypical Depression in the 21st Century: Diagnostic and Treatment Issues". Psychiatric Times. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2013.
- ^ Isbister GK, et al. (2003). "Moclobemide poisoning: toxicokinetics and occurrence of serotonin toxicity". British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 56 (4): 441–450. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.01895.x. PMC 1884375. PMID 12968990.
- ^ "Neuroscience Education Institute > Activities > 2012CurbConsultPosted". www.neiglobal.com.