Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors offer effective treatment opportunities to an expanded range of depressed and anxious patients, particularly those with atypical depression. The use of these drugs requires heightened physician awareness and patient education, but the risks are less pronounced than was previously thought. Hypotension is the main side effect. Hypertensive reactions can be avoided by strictly proscribing congestion of MAO inhibitors with indirect-action sympathomimetic substances that occur in certain drugs, foods and beverages.