Question

A patient has been prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, phenelzine (Nardil). The nurse has provided education regarding this type of medication. Which of the following statements by the patient displays an understanding of the education?

a) This is a very common medication with minor side effects.
b) I will restrict my pepperoni pizza and beer to one night a week.
c) I will miss my pepperoni pizza and beer nights.
d) I should continue to take my Prozac when I'm on this medication.

Answer 1

The statement that shows understanding of MAOIs like phenelzine is an acknowledgment of the need to avoid high-tyramine foods and certain alcoholic beverages. The correct answer is a recognition of the necessary dietary restrictions and avoiding combination with SSRIs like Prozac.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct understanding of education on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine (Nardil) is represented by the patient's statement, "I will miss my pepperoni pizza and beer nights." This reflects the necessary dietary restrictions that need to be followed due to potentially lethal food and drug interactions. Foods that are high in tyramine, such as pepperoni, and alcoholic beverages like beer should be avoided while on MAOIs.

Additionally, taking MAOIs concomitantly with other antidepressants such as SSRIs, including Prozac, can lead to serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome. Therefore, it is not advisable to continue taking Prozac with MAOIs.