Final answer:
Selegiline, an MAO-B inhibitor, is part of the antidepressant class of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, which prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters. Interactions with drugs like carbamazepine, oral contraceptives, and buspirone must be monitored due to potential for severe side effects. SSRIs like Prozac and Zoloft are generally preferred over MAOIs because they have fewer side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of antidepressant drugs that block the oxidative deamination of naturally occurring monoamines, essentially preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Selegiline, an MAO-B inhibitor, falls within this category. It's important to be aware of interactions when MAOIs are combined with other medications such as carbamazepine, oral contraceptives, and buspirone, as they can lead to serious side effects or reduce the effectiveness of treatment. For example, combining MAOIs with drugs that affect serotonergic systems, like SSRIs or certain pain relievers, can lead to a potentially fatal condition known as serotonin syndrome. Thus, healthcare providers typically exercise caution when prescribing such medications together.
In contrast to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline, which are commonly prescribed due to their fewer side effects, MAOIs are often reserved for cases where other antidepressants have not been effective. While SSRIs selectively block the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing its levels in the central nervous system, MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of multiple neurotransmitters, which can lead to various side effects and necessitate dietary restrictions to avoid hypertensive crises.