Which drug is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)?

Study for the Galen Pharmacology Exam 1 Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Achieve exam success!

Multiple Choice

Which drug is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)?

Explanation:
Monamine oxidase inhibitors block the enzyme that breaks down brain monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine). By preventing this breakdown, they raise these neurotransmitter levels and can help relieve depressive symptoms in certain patients. Phenelzine is a classic example of an MAOI; it is nonselective and irreversible, inhibiting both MAO-A and MAO-B. The other drugs belong to different classes: Lithium is a mood stabilizer, amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that mainly blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, and desvenlafaxine is an SNRI that also inhibits reuptake. Thus phenelzine fits as the MAOI.

Monamine oxidase inhibitors block the enzyme that breaks down brain monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine). By preventing this breakdown, they raise these neurotransmitter levels and can help relieve depressive symptoms in certain patients. Phenelzine is a classic example of an MAOI; it is nonselective and irreversible, inhibiting both MAO-A and MAO-B. The other drugs belong to different classes: Lithium is a mood stabilizer, amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that mainly blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, and desvenlafaxine is an SNRI that also inhibits reuptake. Thus phenelzine fits as the MAOI.

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