Monoamine oxidase A
Also known as: MAO-A, MAOA
Mitochondrial enzyme that degrades serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine (and dietary tyramine). It is selectively inhibited by moclobemide.
MAO-A inhibition raises synaptic monoamines; combination with SSRIs, tramadol, pethidine or dextromethorphan can cause serotonin syndrome, and tyramine-rich food can cause a hypertensive crisis.
Substrates: serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, tyramine.
Inhibitors: moclobemide (selective), phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid (non-selective).
Inducers: not applicable.
Washout intervals (2 weeks) are required between MAO inhibitors and SSRIs/serotonergics; tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, beer, cured sausage) can cause a hypertensive crisis.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved labels (MAOIs); EMC-UK (MHRA) — SmPC
