Klassieke monoamineoxidaseremmers: niet geregistreerd, maar wel een plaats in de behandeling van depressies

- In the Netherlands monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are not registered for the treatment of patients with depression. The classical, non-selective MAO inhibitors – phenelzine and tranylcypromine – are effective but their use is associated with interactions (with tyramine in food, sympathicomimetics and serotonine reuptake inhibitors) and side-effects (hypertension, hypotension, headache, sleep disturbances and neuromuscular symptoms in particular). Therefore, the classical MAO inhibitors are indicated only in depressive disorders that are unresponsive to the first stages of treatment. Taking this selection into account, treatment should be long-term to avoid relapse.