<b>Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)</b>
<br><br>One of the first classes of antidepressants developed were monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). This antidepressant class, first discovered in the 1950s, inhibits the action of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, whose role it is to break down monoamines. By blocking this effect, more neurotransmitters are available for use in mood regulation.
<br><br>Examples of MAOIs include:
<ul>
<li>Nardil (phenelzine)</li>
<li>Parnate (tranylcypromine)</li>
<li>Marplan (isocarboxazid)</li>
<li>Emsam (selegiline)
</li>
</ul>
MAOIs have proven useful in treating agoraphobia, social phobia, bulimia, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar depression. Even so, its use is usually reserved for when other antidepressant options have failed.
<br><br><b>Effects</b>
<br>These medications have a wider variation of response than the other antidepressants. Isocarboxazide increases 30-20 Hz and decreases slower and higher frequencies, similar to a stimulant profile. Nialamide and Tranylcypromine produce a more typical profile, though with more variability.