Definition

Noun: A monoamine oxidase inhibitor is any member of a class of antidepressant drugs. Its primary function is to inhibit the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase in the brain. This inhibition allows monoamine neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) to accumulate, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Usage Examples

• The doctor prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor for treatment-resistant depression.
• Patients taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor must follow a strict diet to avoid dangerous interactions.
• Due to its potent mechanism, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor is often considered when other antidepressants have failed.

Advanced Usage

• "MAOI": This is the standard and widely used acronym for "monoamine oxidase inhibitor."
  • Older MAOIs require significant dietary restrictions.
• The term is often used in a classificatory sense within pharmacology and psychiatry to distinguish this group from other antidepressants like SSRIs or tricyclics.
  • The review compared the efficacy of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor against that of a modern SSRI.

Variants and Related Words

• MAOI (noun): The common abbreviation.
• Monoamine oxidase (noun): The enzyme that this class of drugs inhibits.
• Antidepressant (noun): The broader category of drugs to which MAOIs belong.
• Inhibitor (noun): A general term for a substance that slows or prevents a chemical reaction.

Synonyms

• MAOI (This is a direct synonym, being the acronym).
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant (A more descriptive synonym).

Related Phrases

• MAOI diet / tyramine-restricted diet: A specific dietary regimen required when taking classic MAOIs to prevent a hypertensive crisis.
  • Starting a monoamine oxidase inhibitor means you must learn the MAOI diet.
• Reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (RIMA): A modern subclass of these drugs with a different binding mechanism.
  • Moclobemide is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A, which has fewer dietary constraints.

Noun

1. any of a group of antidepressant drugs that inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain and so allow monoamines to accumulate