Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Antidepressants: Pharmacology Made Easy

In this This Is Why pharmacology review, Dr. Busti demystifies the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)—an older but still clinically relevant antidepressant class. You’ll learn why MAOIs remain valuable for treatment-resistant depression, how they differ mechanistically from SSRIs/SNRIs/TCAs, and what safe, modern usage looks like. The goal = Pharmacology Made Easy

We cover agents and formulations—including the practical distinction between selegiline oral (Parkinson’s disease) vs selegiline transdermal (MDD)—and walk through irreversible MAO-A/MAO-B enzyme inhibition, pharmacodynamic implications, and the rationale behind washout periods. You’ll also get crisp frameworks for drug–drug and drug–food (tyramine) interactions, hypertensive crisis prevention, and real-world monitoring and counseling (patch placement/rotation, MRI precautions, OTC/herbal pitfalls like decongestants and St. John’s wort).

👉 Download the companion tables (indications, interactions, tyramine foods, counseling checklists) to keep handy for boards, precepting, and bedside teaching at https://www.thisiswhy.health/topics/p...

👉 Get more with a free membership at https://www.thisiswhy.health/
Access free downloads from our videos
Access deep dive content from Dr. Busti
Organize content via playlists & collections
Join live Q&A
Receive member newsletters
Coupons & discounts for exam prep resources

Chapter Table of Contents
00:00 Introduction to MAOI Antidepressants & Historical Context
01:27 Why MAOIs Caution: Safety Concerns, Side Effects & Drug Interactions
04:54 MAOI Clinical Indications: Depression Subtypes & When MAOIs Are Considered
06:00 MAOI Formulations: Oral Agents vs Selegiline Transdermal Patch
07:46 Mechanism of Action: MAO-A vs MAO-B Inhibition & Neurotransmitter Effects
09:16 Serotonin Modulation & Interaction Risks with Other Antidepressants
14:08 Side Effect Profiles: CNS Effects, Orthostasis, Weight Changes & Sleep Disturbance
28:16 Hypertensive Crisis: Tyramine Reactions & High-Risk Foods to Avoid
30:01 Dietary Restrictions Explained: Tyramine Metabolism & Patient Counseling

👍 If this helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a classmate or colleague. That will help this new channel continue producing free, high-yield medical education content.

🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you don’t miss upcoming lectures on diuretics, antihypertensives, antibiotics, and more!

#monoamineoxidaseinhibitors #MAOI #pharmacology #PsychiatryPharmacology #medicaleducation

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this content.