Articles
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Content
How MAOIs work
MAOIs approved to treat depression
Side effects of MAOIs
Safety concerns with MAOIs
Suicide risk and antidepressants
Stopping treatment with MAOIs
Finding the right antidepressant
Side effects of MAOIs
Because of side effects and safety concerns, MAOIs are most often tried when other antidepressants don't work.
The most common side effects of MAOIs include:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea, diarrhea or constipation
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Skin reaction at the patch site
Other possible side effects include:
- Involuntary muscle jerks
- Low blood pressure
- Reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm
- Weight gain
- Difficulty starting a urine flow
- Muscle cramps
- Prickling or tingling sensation in the skin (paresthesia)
