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Common side effects associated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors
R A Remick1, C Froese, F D Keller
1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital - U.B.C. Site, Vancouver, Canada.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine and tranylcypromine have common side effects. Phenelzine showed a higher incidence of severe side effects, including hypomania and hypotension, leading to more discontinuations than tranylcypromine.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are crucial antidepressants.
- Documentation on MAOI side effect frequency and severity is limited.
- Understanding these adverse events is vital for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and compare the common side effects of phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
- To assess the frequency and severity of side effects associated with these MAOIs.
- To inform clinical practice regarding MAOI tolerability.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patient records.
- Analysis of side effects in patients treated with phenelzine (N=42) and tranylcypromine (N=19).
- Categorization of side effects as mild, moderate, or severe.
Main Results:
- Phenelzine patients reported more side effects per patient (2.98) than tranylcypromine patients (1.84).
- Severe reactions were more frequent with phenelzine (9) compared to tranylcypromine (2).
- Hypomania/mania and hypotension were significant reasons for phenelzine discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- Phenelzine is associated with a higher rate of side effects and severe reactions compared to tranylcypromine.
- Clinicians should be aware of the differential side effect profiles of these MAOIs.
- Careful monitoring is essential for patients on MAOI therapy to manage adverse events effectively.