MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) were the first antidepressant drugs invented. While they are quite effective, they can be dangerous if combined with the wrong foods, drugs, or supplements. The substance tyramine, found in some cheeses, beer, fermented soy products, and other foods, is particularly dangerous to combine with these medications. Stimulant drugs such as pseudoephedrine can also cause problems.
Antidepressants in this family include furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine sulfate (Nardil), and tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate) among others.
Dangerous Interaction
Because it contains the stimulant ephedrine, combining the herb ephedra with MAO inhibitors can rapidly produce a severe, dangerous interaction and must be avoided.
1
Scotch BroomDangerous Interaction
The herb scotch broom contains high levels of tyramine, so it should not be taken with MAO inhibitors.
2
Probable Dangerous Interaction
Because it contains caffeine, green tea should not be combined with MAO inhibitors.
Possible Dangerous Interaction
According to one report, the combination of ginseng and the MAO inhibitor phenelzine caused worrisome symptoms.
3
While this may have been due to caffeine contamination of the ginseng, we would recommend that you avoid ginseng–MAO inhibitor combinations at this time.
Possible Dangerous Interaction
Current thinking suggests that St. John's wort functions somewhat similarly to SSRI (selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants. Since SSRIs should not be combined with MAO inhibitors, this herb probably should not be combined either.
Possible Dangerous Interactions
Based on one case report
4
and current thinking on how they work, SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) and 5-HTP should not be combined with MAO inhibitors.
Tatro D (ed.). Drug interaction facts. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1999: 1037.
Brinker F. Interactions of pharmaceutical and botanical medicines.
J Naturopathic Med
7(2): 14–20, 1997.
Jones BD and Runikis AM. Interaction of ginseng with phenelzine.
J Clin Psychopharmacol
7: 201–202, 1987.
Iruela LM, et al. Toxic interaction of S-adenosylmethionine and clomipramine.
Am J Psych
150: 522, 1993.
Last reviewed October 2007 by EBSCO CAM Review Board
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.
