Question

Which one of the following statements is true concerning monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

A. MAOIs are not likely to cause orthostatic hypotension
B. To switch between an MAOI and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), you need a 3-day washout period
C. Giving meperidine with an MAOI is contraindicated
D. Lithium is contraindicated with MAOIs
E. All MAOIs require adherence to a tyramine-free diet

Answer 1

The true statement regarding monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is that giving meperidine with an MAOI is contraindicated due to the risks of severe interactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is true concerning monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is C. Giving meperidine with an MAOI is contraindicated. MAOIs inhibit monoamine oxidase, preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine. However, combining MAOIs with certain substances like meperidine, a narcotic analgesic, can lead to severe and potentially fatal interactions, including serotonin syndrome. As for the other options, MAOIs are known to cause orthostatic hypotension, and a washout period much longer than 3 days is recommended when switching between an MAOI and an SSRI. While Lithium combination with MAOIs should be approached with caution, it is not necessarily contraindicated. Finally, not all MAOIs require a tyramine-free diet; for example, selegiline transdermal patches do not need such dietary restrictions.