What is the primary concern when combining MAO inhibitors with tyramine-rich foo
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the primary concern when combining MAO inhibitors with tyramine-rich foods?
Hypoglycemia
Hypertensive crisis
Serotonin syndrome
Cardiac arrhythmias
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the primary concern when combining MAO inhibitors with tyramine-rich foods?
Step 1: Understand what MAO inhibitors are. They are medications that help treat depression by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase.
Step 2: Learn about tyramine. Tyramine is a substance found in certain foods, like aged cheese and cured meats.
Step 3: Know that MAO inhibitors prevent the breakdown of tyramine in the body.
Step 4: Realize that when tyramine levels rise too high, it can cause the body to release too much norepinephrine, a chemical that raises blood pressure.
Step 5: Understand that this excessive norepinephrine can lead to a hypertensive crisis, which is a dangerous increase in blood pressure.
