Tag: Phenelzine

First introduced in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were among the earliest drugs used to treat depression, and four specific MAOIs are still in clinical use today, though often reserved for cases unresponsive to other treatments. These medications work by preventing the breakdown of certain mood-regulating neurotransmitters in the brain.

Phenelzine belongs to the class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and its primary mechanism of action involves the irreversible inhibition of the monoamine oxidase enzyme. This action prevents the breakdown of crucial mood-regulating neurotransmitters in the brain, which is key to understanding what is the moa of phenelzine. Despite its effectiveness, its use is typically reserved for treatment-resistant cases due to significant dietary and drug interaction risks.

Phenelzine (Nardil) is one of the oldest antidepressant medications still in clinical use today, known for its potent and irreversible action on monoamine oxidase. This article clarifies why **phenelzine is an irreversible MAOI**, detailing the significant pharmacological and clinical implications of this classification for patients and healthcare providers.