Monoamine oxidase inhibitor

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs that inhibit the activity of one or both monoamine oxidase enzymes: monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). They are best known as effective antidepressants, especially for treatment-resistant depression and atypical depression. They are also used to treat panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, Parkinson's disease, and several other disorders.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
Drug class
Class identifiers
SynonymsMAOI, RIMA
UseTreatment of major depressive disorder, atypical depression, Parkinson's disease, and several other disorders
ATC codeN06AF
Mechanism of actionEnzyme inhibitor
Biological targetMonoamine oxidase enzymes:
MAO-A and/or MAO-B
External links
MeSHD008996
Legal status
In Wikidata

Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (RIMAs) are a subclass of MAOIs that selectively and reversibly inhibit the MAO-A enzyme. RIMAs are used clinically in the treatment of depression and dysthymia. Due to their reversibility, they are safer in single-drug overdose than the older, irreversible MAOIs, and weaker in increasing the monoamines important in depressive disorder. RIMAs have not gained widespread market share in the United States.

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