List of 20 Types Of Food To Avoid While Taking MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a type of medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. MAOIs work by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the brain. As a result, MAOIs increase the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
However, MAOIs can interact with certain foods and drinks, leading to a dangerous increase in blood pressure and other serious side effects. In this article, we will discuss in detail the foods to avoid while taking MAOIs.
Foods to Avoid:
1. Cheese: Cheese contains tyramine, an amino acid that is broken down by the monoamine oxidase enzymes in the gut. However, when MAOIs are present, tyramine can build up in the body and cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to avoid all types of cheese, including cheddar, brie, and parmesan, while taking MAOIs.
2. Aged Meats: Aged meats like salami, pepperoni, and ham also contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided while taking MAOIs.
3. Fermented Soy Products: Fermented soy products like soy sauce and miso contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided while taking MAOIs.
4. Fermented Vegetables: Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi also contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided while taking MAOIs.
5. Fava Beans: Fava beans contain a substance called L-dopa, which can interact with MAOIs and cause dangerous side effects like high blood pressure and fever. Therefore, it is important to avoid fava beans and products made from fava beans, like falafel and hummus, while taking MAOIs.
6. Pickled Foods: Pickled foods like pickles, olives, and pickled herring also contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided while taking MAOIs.
7. Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called phenylethylamine, which can interact with MAOIs and cause dangerous side effects like high blood pressure and fever. Therefore, it is important to avoid all types of chocolate, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and chocolate desserts, while taking MAOIs.
8. Caffeine: Caffeine can also interact with MAOIs and cause dangerous side effects like high blood pressure and fever. Therefore, it is important to avoid all sources of caffeine, including coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks, while taking MAOIs.
9. Alcohol: Alcohol can interact with MAOIs and cause dangerous side effects like high blood pressure and liver damage. Therefore, it is important to avoid all types of alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, while taking MAOIs.
10. Overripe Fruit: Overripe fruit like bananas and avocados can contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided while taking MAOIs.
11. Dairy Products: Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and sour cream should be consumed in moderation while taking MAOIs, as they contain small amounts of tyramine.
12. Legumes: Legumes like broad beans and lentils should be consumed in moderation while taking MAOIs, as they contain small amounts of L-dopa.
13. Nuts: Nuts like peanuts and cashews should be consumed in moderation while taking MAOIs, as they contain small amounts of tyramine.
14. Spicy Foods: Spicy foods like chili peppers and hot sauce can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure when combined with MAOIs, so it is important to avoid them or consume them in moderation while taking these medications.
15. MSG: Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common flavor enhancer used in many processed foods, should be avoided while taking MAOIs. MSG can interact with these medications and cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.
16. Smoked or cured meats: Smoked or cured meats like bacon, sausage, and smoked salmon contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided while taking MAOIs.
17. Certain fruits: Some fruits like bananas, pineapples, and citrus fruits contain tyramine and should be avoided or consumed in moderation while taking MAOIs.
18. Yeast extracts: Yeast extracts like Marmite and Vegemite contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided while taking MAOIs.
19. Soy products: Certain soy products like tofu and tempeh can contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided while taking MAOIs.
20. Certain beverages: Beverages like red wine, beer, and some types of alcohol-free beer contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided while taking MAOIs.
What to do when you accidentally take foods that can interact with MAOIs
What to do when you accidentally take foods that can interact with MAOIs in detail
If you accidentally consume foods that are high in tyramine while taking MAOIs, here are some steps you can take:
1. Contact your healthcare provider immediately: If you experience any symptoms such as severe headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or confusion, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical attention right away.
2. Stop taking MAOIs: Your healthcare provider may advise you to stop taking the MAOIs immediately if you have consumed foods that can interact with them.
3. Monitor your blood pressure: Your healthcare provider may advise you to monitor your blood pressure regularly to check for any signs of a hypertensive crisis.
4. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery: If you experience any symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until these symptoms subside.
5. Follow dietary restrictions: Your healthcare provider may advise you to follow a strict low-tyramine diet for several weeks after stopping the MAOIs to avoid any potential interactions.
Remember, it is important to always read food labels carefully and avoid foods that are high in tyramine while taking MAOIs to prevent any potential interactions. If you have any concerns or questions about your medications or dietary restrictions, talk to your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while MAOIs can be effective in treating depression and other mood disorders, it is important to be aware of the foods to avoid while taking these medications. Consuming foods and drinks that contain tyramine, phenylethylamine, or L-dopa can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure and other serious side effects. Therefore, it is important to follow a strict diet and avoid the aforementioned foods while taking MAOIs. If you have any concerns or questions about the interactions between MAOIs and certain foods, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider.
