[Poisoning with a reversible and selective monoaminooxidase inhibitor]

Two cases of poisoning with moclobemide are presented. Moclobemide is a reversible inhibitor of the monoamine oxidase type A (RIMA). Intoxication with moclobemide is according to previously published case stories benign. Both patients described presented severe symptoms, such as convulsions, coma, muscle rigidity and respiratory failure. One of the patients, a 37-year-old woman, also suffered cardiovascular collapse and elevated body temperature (more than 41.9 degrees C), which was treated successfully with dantrolene and norepinephrine. The symptoms match the diagnostic criteria for serotonin syndrome. The possible reasons why the two patients suffered life-threatening complications and the treatment of serotonin syndrome are discussed.