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Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, also called MAOIs, were the first type of antidepressant developed. They're effective, but they've generally been replaced by antidepressants that are safer and cause fewer side effects.

If you take an MAOI, you may need to stay away from certain foods and medicines. Eating foods that are high in the amino acid tyramine or taking certain other medicines while taking an MAOI can cause dangerously high blood pressure. MAOIs are still a good choice for some people. Sometimes they lessen depression when other treatments have failed.