Posted by fachad on March 30, 2002, at 6:18:20
In reply to Why R there diet restrictions w/ MAOI's?, posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 2:15:32
MAO, like most things in the body, does more than one thing. It breaks down monoamines like NE, 5HT, and dopamine.
It also breaks down a protein amino acid called "tyramine". Tyramine has the effect of increasing blood pressure.
So if you are on an MAOI and you eat tyramine containing foods, your blood pressure can shoot up to extremely dangerous levels. This potentially fatal reaction is called a "hypertensive crisis" and requires immediate medical attention.
The possibility of a patient having a hypertensive crisis has made many pdocs steer away from prescribing MAOIs.
> I've read that certain foods (I don't recall which ones - cheese?) must NOT be eaten if a person is on an MAOI, and I'm wondering why not?
>
> Is it that the inhibition of the enzyme (monamine oxidase?) also inhibits metabolism of certain foods?
> Thanks!
poster:fachad
thread:100948
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020327/msgs/100957.html