Final answer:
MAOIs are a class of drugs that act as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, used to treat certain depressive and anxiety conditions, but they are associated with significant risks like toxicity and dangerous drug interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are a class of drugs that include several examples such as iproniazid (discontinued), phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Emsam), and moclobemide (Amira). These medications work by inhibiting the monoamine oxidase enzyme, which is responsible for the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain. As a result, MAOIs increase the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.
MAOIs were among the first effective antidepressants and were used to treat conditions with depressive features, anxiety, and phobias, especially when tricyclic antidepressants did not yield satisfactory results. However, they are rarely used today due to their potential toxicity and dangerous food and drug interactions. It's important for individuals taking MAOIs to adhere strictly to dietary restrictions and avoid certain medications to prevent serious adverse effects.