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Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
These
drugs are used in the treatment of panic disorder, social phobia, PTSD and
sometimes OCD, but they require dietary restrictions and some doctors prefer to
try other treatments first. Anyone taking a MAO inhibitor must avoid other
medications, wine and beer, and food such as cheeses that contain tyramine. Of
the MAOI's, Parnate (tranyclypromine, SKB) is the most commonly used.
Treatment with tranyclypromine usually starts with a relatively low daily dosage
that is increased gradually until panic attacks cease or the patient reaches a
maximum dosage of about 60 - 80 milligrams a day:
Use
of tranyclypromine or any other MAOI requires the patient to be very careful
which other foods or prescription drugs they are taking. Certain foods and drugs
can interact with the MAOI to cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure.
All patients who are taking MAOIs should consult with their physician before
using any over-the-counter or prescription medications.
As
in the case of the high-potency benzodiazepines and imipramine, treatment with
tranyclypromine or another MAOI generally lasts 6 months to a year. When the
treatment period ends, the medication is gradually reduced over a period of
weeks. Drugs in the class
Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Phenelzine (Nardil) | 
