Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) for Social Anxiety Disorder

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Hives.
• Chest pains.
• Fast or slow heartbeat.
• Severe headache.
• Stiff neck.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• High blood pressure.
• Appetite changes or weight gain.
• Loss of sexual desire or ability.
• Muscle twitching during sleep.

Serious reactions—or even death—can result when MAOIs are combined with some foods and medicines. While taking MAOIs, you must avoid eating certain foods, such as some cheeses, broad beans such as fava beans, pickled foods such as sauerkraut, beer, and red wine. Eating these foods can cause severe high blood pressure and other health problems. Talk with your doctor about diet and medicine restrictions you need to follow if you are planning to take an MAOI.

You must wait at least 14 days after you stop taking MAOIs before taking another antidepressant. Common nonprescription medicines, particularly certain cold remedies and diet pills, can also be dangerous when taken with an MAOI.

MAOIs can cause death if they are taken in overdose.

FDA Advisory. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Reference advisory on antidepressant medicines and the risk of suicide. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines. Instead, a person taking antidepressants should be watched for Reference warning signs of suicide. This is especially important at the beginning of treatment or when the doses are changed.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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