Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
10:17
High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
["Addiction" to phenelzine - case report].
Anna Z Antosik-Wójcińska1, Dorota Bzinkowska, Magdalena Chojnacka
1II Klinika Psychiatrii IPiN w Warszawie Kierownik.
Psychiatria Polska
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (IMAO) carry a risk of addiction, as evidenced by case studies. This review highlights patient characteristics associated with IMAO abuse, offering insights into this clinical phenomenon.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (IMAO) are used to treat affective disorders and anxiety.
- While infrequent, harmful use and potential addiction to antidepressants like IMAOs are recognized clinical issues.
Observation:
- Presents a case study of a 30-year-old patient exhibiting addiction criteria following phenelzine use.
- Highlights that current ICD-10 classification lacks a specific diagnosis for antidepressant dependence, suggesting category F55.0 (abuse of non-addictive substances).
Findings:
- Case studies confirm the association between non-selective IMAOs and addiction risk.
- Non-selective MAO inhibitors, particularly tranylcypromine, are frequently cited for their addictive potential.
- The chemical similarity of IMAOs to amphetamines (both phenylethylamine derivatives) may contribute to dependence mechanisms, despite differing actions.
Implications:
- Identifies a specific patient group at higher risk for IMAO abuse.
- Suggests the need for greater clinical awareness and potentially revised diagnostic criteria for antidepressant dependence.
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