What is mao inhibitor medication?

Are you tired of your doctor prescribing medication with long, complicated names that make it sound like you’re taking something from a science fiction movie? (I mean, come on!)

Well, let’s take some time to talk about another medication and see if we can decipher what all the alphabet soup means. Today we will be discussing MAO inhibitors.

What are Mao Inhibitors?

MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase) are used in psychiatry as an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications (Don’t worry; they won’t turn you into a Jedi knight!).

They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals help regulate our moods and emotions. MAOs inhibit the breakdown of these neurotransmitters so that more remain available in the brain.

The Purpose

These medications were initially created as treatments for tuberculosis but later discovered to have ameliorative effects on depression too (Who says drugs don’t get around?).

During this discovery phase, scientists observed that individuals who received tuberculosis treatment had improved symptoms of their depressive disorder (What a happy accident!).

The benefits seen were attributed to the increased availability of serotonin and norepinephrine which then became targets for development for treating antidepressant-resistant patients.

For those trying various medications without symptom improvement or relief (treatment-resistant), attacking alternate pathways within their neurochemistry may lead to finding suitable therapy alternatives.

How do They Work?

As stated earlier, these type meds’ main purpose is inhibiting.

Now let me nerd out here…

This doesn’t happen through glaring at the different chemicals while brandishing halos. Enzymes known as monoamine oxidases usually facilitate neuron excitability adjustments by breaking down amino acids such as noradrenaline or dopamine post-release/reuptake (you can call me Sir Nerdalot now).

MAO inhibitors ties themselves up to these enzymes, thus blocking the neuronn excitation “mood-regulating” process (Such a party pooper!).

So in summary, MAO inhibitors are drugs that keep neurons from breaking down chemicals responsible for happiness (Welcome to Disneyland!).

Types of Mao Inhibitors

There are only two types of MAOIs available.

1. Nonselective

   • Irreversible- This category forms an irreversible bond with enzymes and can lead to patients developing liver problems or delusions if consumed excessively.
   • Reversible- These belong to the chemical class – hydrazine monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

2. Selective– This is suitable when one requires low dosages so as not against other circulating substrates like tyramine due to it being highly reactive with specific enzyme subtypes (You might say selective MAOI’s have delicate tastes!).

Medical Uses

Studies reveal successful treatment outcomes regarding mood regulation ranging from anxiety relief, depression sedation effects among others using mainly non-selective irreversible variant options including:

• Phenelzine
• Isocarboxazid
• Tranylcypromine

These variations positively address what’s known as atypical depression characterized by somatic symptoms such as weight gain/increased appetite along with hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness) while also improving energy levels within weeks after medication onset/post-medication consumption route change.

Alongside their antidepressant utility, these medications may play a substantial therapeutic role concerning Parkinson disease motor symptoms & Irritable Bowel Syndrome induced refractory abdominal pain alleviation efficacy (Hmmm…Life just became more comfortable having hard-hitting meds around).

It should be noted that these types of mediations require caution before prescription given possible adverse side effects’ recorded incidences drowsiness even post-symptom subsidence – poses safety issues especially among elderly patients with co-morbidities.

Safe Usage Standards

It’s best if MAOIs are prescribed by qualified psychiatrists only – avoiding self-diagnosing preference (They usually just make things worse!).

Patients should also be briefed on dietary restrictions associated with the use of these drugs, including prohibiting consumption of:

• Ripe cheeses
• Beer and red wine selective beverages
• Processed meats
  Additionally, some over-the-counter medications should be avoided while consuming MAOIs.

Being mindful will save you annoyance in the long run!

Wrap Up

In conclusion regarding mao inhibitor medication;

MAO inhibitors are types of antidepressants that work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin or norepinephrine. These chemicals help regulate our mood/emotions and is achieved through inhibition processes.

There exist two sub-classifications within this drug category non-selective which may irreversibly bind to monoamine oxidase enzymes producing adverse reactions when consumed above prescribed dosage limits/reversible versions that have less reactivity against other substrates occur at reduced doses thus regarded as high-sensitivity MAOI candidates.

Their use has demonstrated clinical benefits regarding treating mental health-related conditions such as depression/anxiety while showing some promise concerning secondary symptom improvement; however, caution needs exercising given possible side effects (always consult a qualified psychiatrist).