MAO inhibitor stands for Monoamine Oxidase inhibitor, which is a type of medication that works by blocking the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the brain. MAO is an enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are important for regulating mood, behavior, and other physiological processes.
By inhibiting the action of MAO, these medications increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can be beneficial for treating certain conditions such as depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s disease.
There are two types of MAO inhibitors: non-selective and selective. Non-selective MAO inhibitors block both MAO-A and MAO-B enzymes, while selective MAO inhibitors target only one of these enzymes. MAO inhibitors can have serious side effects and interactions with certain foods and medic