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Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor

By , About.com Guide

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Definition:
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors -- MAOIs for short -- are antidepressants that work by blocking an enzyme -- monoamine oxidase or MAO -- that breaks down neurotransmitters. Since low levels of these chemicals is associated with depression, making more of the neurotransmitters available -- particularly serotonin and norepinephrine -- may help relieve depression. Because of the way MAOIs work, there are a large number of food and drug interactions possible.

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