Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: Interactions

MAO inhibitors may interact with many other medicines. When this happens, the effects of one or both of the drugs may change or the risk of side effects may be greater. Anyone who takes MAO inhibitors must check with his or her physician before taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicine. Among the drugs that may interact with MAO inhibitors are:

• central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as medicine for allergies, colds, hay fever, and asthma; sedatives; tranquilizers; prescription pain medicine; muscle relaxants; medicine for seizures; sleep aids; barbiturates; and anesthetics.
• medicine for high blood pressure
• other antidepressants, including tricyclic antidepressants (such as Tofranil and Norpramin), antidepressants that raise serotonin levels (such as Prozac and Zoloft), and bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• diabetes medicines taken by mouth
• insulin
• water pills (diuretics)

The list above does not include every drug that may interact with MAO inhibitors. Check with a physician or pharmacist before combining MAO inhibitors with any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicine.

[Article by: Nancy Ross-Flanigan]

— Nancy Ross-Flanigan