Section Review: Central & Peripheral Nervous Systems: MAO-A inhibitors — state of the art

Abstract

The advent of selective and reversible monoamine oxidase A inhibitors has led to a revival of this therapeutic principle in antidepressant therapy. Meanwhile, their efficacy has been clinically proven and their safety has been clearly demonstrated. In particular, the ‘cheese effect’ - hypertensive crises after intake of tyramine from food - will no longer be a threat to patients and their doctors. In contrast to tricyclic antidepressants, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity or anticholinergic effects do not play a role during therapy with monoamine oxidase A inhibitors. Moclobemide is currently the only representative of this class that has been marketed. A number of other compounds are in various stages of development. The years ahead will bring a more differentiated picture of the use of monoamine oxidase A inhibitors in traditional and new indications. This article focuses on recent achievements and developmental compounds and describes the proven and currently investigated differential indications.