Monoamine oxidase inhibitors--or MAO inhibitors--are powerful drugs prescribed for the treatment of depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, MAO inhibitors are usually an optimal choice of treatment for moderate to severe depression, or a good choice for patients who cannot take other types of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants.

Indications

The Food and Drug Administration has approved MAO inhibitors for the treatment of depression, according to Drugs.com. The Mayo Clinic reports that doctors will sometimes use the drugs to treat other conditions, such as panic disorders or headaches.

Function

According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, MAO inhibitors battle depression by preventing monoamine oxidase--an enzyme in the brain--from breaking down or eliminating certain brain chemicals that control mood. Levels of the chemicals in the brain remain high, maintaining elevated mood.

Dosage

Experts at Drugs.com report that dosage for MAO inhibitors depends on the strength of the drug, the particular drug chosen within the class and the patient's body weight. Drugs.com notes that doctors calculate dosage for most MAO inhibitors as a certain number of milligrams per kilogram of body weight, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Side Effects

Mayo Clinic experts note that MAO inhibitors have a number of serious side effects, including drowsiness, low blood pressure, muscle twitching, weight gain, blurred vision and dizziness. Because of their long list of side effects, many doctors only prescribe MAO inhibitors after other antidepressants fail to help a patient.

Warnings

MAO inhibitors can cause dangerous interactions with other drugs and with a long list of foods, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pain medication, over-the-counter decongestants, some cheeses, chocolate, wine, beer, some meats and pickled foods interact poorly with MAO inhibitors. The drugs also may cause suicidal feelings in 18- to 24-year-old patients, according to Mayo Clinic experts.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: MAO Inhibitors

Drugs.com: MAO Inhibitors