Side effects of MAO inhibitors
The side effects of MAO inhibitors vary greatly. In principle, it can be said that drugs that inhibit only one of the two MAO subforms cause fewer side effects than those that inhibit both subforms simultaneously. Typical side effects that occur when taking MAO inhibitors are restlessness and insomnia.
The exact opposite, namely fatigue, can also occur. In addition, the patient may notice a dry mouth. Dizziness and nausea may also be possible consequences of taking the medication.
With some MAO inhibitors, hallucinations or cardiac arrhythmia may also occur as side effects. Tremor can also be a side effect of MAO inhibitors. This causes rhythmic twitching of muscle groups, especially the hands.In the case of non-selective MAO inhibitors, such as tranylcypromine, side effects and interactions with other drugs can increase significantly when red wine and cheese are consumed at the same time.
Cigarettes
Cigarettes are also associated with MAO inhibitors. Cigarettes contain a whole range of substances that can be addictive. With regard to an inhibition of monoamine oxidase, it is mainly the artificially added sugar contained in the tobacco leaf that plays a role.
When the cigarette is smoked, the combustion of the sugar and other substances produces the dangerous substrate acetaldehyde. This substrate acts like a medicinal MAO inhibitor. Smoking thus leads to a reduced breakdown of the neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine and thus to a prolonged effect of these messenger substances. Due to this MAO-inhibiting effect, the addictive potential is increased when smoking cigarettes, since the neurotransmitters are present in increased concentrations in the brain and can therefore better develop their effect.
MAO inhibitors and venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is also a drug used to treat depression. It belongs to the group called “selective serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors” (SSNRI). Since, as the name suggests, it interferes with the uptake of serotonin, special caution is needed when combined with MAO inhibitors.
Venlafaxine and MAO inhibitors should not be taken together. Taking venlafaxine can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome in patients. If this occurs, the patient’s life may be in danger.
The syndrome develops when serotonin accumulates in the body. This often happens when several drugs are taken that have an influence on the serotonin system. The serotonin syndrome manifests itself by an increase in heart rate, increased sweating, headaches and diarrhoea.
Restlessness and disturbances of consciousness can also be symptoms of serotonin syndrome. If these symptoms occur while taking venlafaxine, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible and the medication discontinued immediately.
