MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO) are actually the drugs that affect the same neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, that tricyclics also did. However, they also affect dopamine.

Essentially, MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO) alleviate depression by forbidding the enzyme monoamine oxidase from metabolizing the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. And so as a result, maintain high brain levels which entails a boosting mood.

MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors and Depression

MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors have been specifically approved to treat depression. And normally, they are made available in various generic or chemical names like:

• Selegiline (Emsam)
• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• Isocarboxazid (Marplan)

Among all of the aforementioned, Emsam was the first skin patch for depression. It’s so easy to use as you just have to apply a new Emsam patch to your torso, thigh or upper arm every day, letting the medication to be absorbed into your bloodstream within 24 hours.

MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors’ Side Effects

MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors, though actually very helpful, have also great side effects. Normally, when you take MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors you will more or less experience:

• Drowsiness or lightheadedness especially when from a lying or sitting position
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Stomach upset or at times diarrhea
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or headache
• Low blood pressure
• Decreased urine output and sexual function
• Sleep disturbances or restlessness
• Blurry vision
• Increased appetite and eventually weight gain
• Shakiness or trembling
• Increased sweating

Obviously, there are a lot of side effects that come along with MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors, and so it is important that you as a user would also have some precautionary measures.

Always have a doctor that will guide you all throughout your entire use of the medication (MAO) and never hesitate to share everything. In some cases you feel some other side effects aside from the ones mentioned above, never keep them to yourself. They might already be something serious.