An enzyme catalyzing the removal of an amine group from a variety of substrates, including norepinephrine and dopamine. MAO inhibitors block the action of MAO, thus raising the levels of the monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin - which have significant effects on mood and behavior. Epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin are normally deactivated by MAO-A while dopamine and phenylethylamine are normally metabolized by MAO-B. Also: MAO

	Addictions / Addictive Tendencies The Condition "...Do not take L-Tyrosine if using a MAO inhibitor drug..." Antidepressant Related Topic "Literally, substances meant to oppose depressions or sadness, and generally heterocyclic types such as Elavil, MAO inhibitors like phenelzine, or lithium carbonate..." Depression Relationship to Estrogens Low "Low estrogen levels trigger the brain to release MAO, an enzyme in the brain which breaks down and destroys the neurotransmitter, serotonin..." Ephedra (Ma Huang) As A Treatment "...Counter-Indicators and WarningsIndividuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure or on MAO inhibitors (a class of antidepressants) should avoid the use of ephedra altogether..." Hydrazine Sulfate As A Treatment "...WARNING! Hydrazine sulfate is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor and is incompatible with tranquilizers, barbiturates, alcohol and other central nervous system depressants..." Premenstrual Syndrome PMS A (Anxiety) The Condition "...Causes & Development Estrogens appear to affect mood by suppressing type A-monoamine oxidase (MAO) while enhancing type B-MAO..." Schizophrenia The Condition "...Platelets deficient in MAO (monoamine oxidase)..." Selegiline As A Treatment "...Selegiline blocks the enzyme monoamine oxidase type B, which forms one of the metabolic pathways for dopamine in the brain..." Tyramine-containing Foods Avoidance As A Treatment "...The authors of this study concluded that pizzas from large chain commercial outlets are safe for consumption with MAO inhibitors..." Weight Loss As A Treatment "...Also, your healthcare professional needs to be aware of any other medications you are taking or have taken within the last 14 days, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil)..."

Last updated: Nov 14, 2009