a class of drugs which affect the work of the monoamine oxidase enzymes and thus produce an antidepressant effect; Monoamine Oxidase enzymes include epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin.
These drugs increase the amounts of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain by blocking the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which acts like a vacuum cleaner sucking up neurotransmitters after being released by brain cell receptor sites. Examples include Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate.
any of a group of antidepressant drugs that inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain and so allow monoamines to accumulate
A drug that inhibits the enzyme monoamine oxidase. This enzyme degrades (breaks down) neurotransmitters reducing the effectiveness of noradrenaline (NA), serotonin, and dopamine. They should not be taken with drugs (like ECA) that increase the release of these neurotransmitters because this could lead to dangerous overstimulation.
(MAOI). Affects nervous system and nerve function due to its ability to act as an antidepressant that block the action of monoamine oxidase (which destroys monoamines) and allow the accumulation of norepinephrine and serotonin (monoamines). Since some cases of depression are caused by decreased activity of norepinephrine and serotonin, blocking the destruction of them helps treat depression.
a drug or substance that blocks the MAO enzyme, resulting in increased amounts of neurotransmitters.
A drug that interferes with the action of monoamine oxidase, slowing the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters. Used in the treatment of depression.
A class of drugs used to treat depression; the drug inhibits the action of an enzyme (monoamine oxidase) that breaks down certain neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin), thereby prolonging the action of these neurotransmitters. See also antidepressant, monoamine oxidase, neurotransmitter.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of antidepressant drugs prescribed for the treatment of depression. They are particularly effective in treating atypical depression, and have also shown efficacy in helping smokers to quit.