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Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Content How MAOIs work MAOIs approved to treat depression Side effects of MAOIs Safety concerns with MAOIs Suicide risk and antidepressants Stopping treatment with MAOIs Finding the right antidepressant

Side effects of MAOIs

Because of side effects and safety concerns, MAOIs are most often tried when other antidepressants don't work.

The most common side effects of MAOIs include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea, diarrhea or constipation
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Skin reaction at the patch site

Other possible side effects include:

  • Involuntary muscle jerks
  • Low blood pressure
  • Reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm
  • Weight gain
  • Difficulty starting a urine flow
  • Muscle cramps
  • Prickling or tingling sensation in the skin (paresthesia)

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