Final answer:
MAOIs are antidepressant medications that inhibit monoamine oxidase, increasing levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine to improve mood. They can lead to adverse effects and have dietary restrictions due to the risk of hypertension with tyramine-containing foods. MAOIs are usually prescribed when other treatments fail and require close monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant medications that work by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. By inhibiting this enzyme, MAOIs increase the levels of these neurotransmitters, which can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Since MAOIs affect neurotransmitter levels, their use can be associated with several adverse effects (AEs), which include hypertension, insomnia, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction among others. These medications also have significant dietary restrictions because they can interact with certain foods that contain tyramine, like aged cheeses and cured meats, leading to dangerous increases in blood pressure (a condition known as tyramine reaction).
Due to their potential for serious interactions and side effects, MAOIs are typically used as a last resort when other antidepressants have not been effective. Patients on MAOIs must be monitored closely by healthcare professionals to manage these risks.