Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors were developed in the 1950s and were the first modern medications to be used in the treatment of depression. There are three MAOI antidepressants available in the United States: isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). All MAOIs are thought to work by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the brain and allowing restoration of proper neurotransmitter balance.