Monoamine oxidase inhibitor

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, also called MAOIs or MAO inhibitors, are a class of antidepressants. They were the first antidepressants to be developed. Though effective, they have been replaced as a first-line treatment following the development of other antidepressants posing fewer safety and side effect issues. Use of MAOIs typically involves dietary restrictions owing to dangerous side effects that can result from interactions with some foods. Nevertheless, MAOIs can still be a good treatment option for depression, especially in cases where other antidepressants have proven ineffective.