MAOIs and Misinformation

Posted by Barbara Melville Jul 4, 2008

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are powerful and effective antidepressant drugs. I agree that MAOIs are likely overlooked as an effective treatment. They’re also a victim of misinformation, with conflicting factsheets in different corners of the web. I cannot overstate how important it is to read the documentation that comes with these medications. For doctors who provide separate factsheets regarding restrictions, it is essential that these are up to date.

Anyway – misinformation. Many online mental health resources (including well-known, reputable organisations) provide different details about what can and cannot be eaten when taking MAOIs. I find this unacceptable. If I were a patient considering these drugs, I would understandably want to completely avoid the risk of interactions. I imagine such contradictions could cause unnecessary distress to those prescribed them, not to mention the fact that following the wrong diet can be very dangerous.

It’s unfair on readers if information is inaccurate. I try very hard to research thoroughly. This becomes more challenging when supposedly good sources aren’t consistent with each other. Anyway, I did find some excellent research papers in the end. I’ve also emailed some of the drug companies that make MAOIs to ask for the information leaflets and dietary restrictions that they provide for patients. Let's hope they don't contradict each other.