Newsgroups: alt.drugs
From: [d--gr--w] at [lclark.edu] (David Degraw)
Subject: Re: MAO Inhibitors?
Date: Wed, 11 May 1994 10:09:18 GMT

Michael McGinley ([m m cginle] at [cs.oberlin.edu]) wrote:
: In article <2qa27s$[9 fd] at [news.csus.edu]> [s--nk--m] at [mercury] (Sun) writes:

: >   What is it?
: >   Why are certain foods to be avoided?

: MAO Inhibitors are substances which block the action of an enzyme in
: the body/brain called Mono-Amine Oxidase (which breaks down monoamines
: such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.)  MAO Inhibitors are
: used to treat depression - when they are given, mood-related brain
: neurotransmitter activity is increased, and some patients report a
: relieving of depression.  These MAO Inhibitors include phenelzine
: (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Deprenyl/Eldepryl),
: Marplan, and others.  Some natural plant drugs are MAO Inhibitors as
: well.  These can cause stimulation, euphoria, nausea, etc.

[Stuff about toxicity of cheese deleted]

Other things to avoid are undistilled spirits, such as beer, wine, even
whiskey (which technically is distilled).  The reason is that these
contain anaerobic metabolic (fermentation) byproducts which are mildly
toxic.  With normal active MAO levels, the small amount of these
toxins is unnoticeable.  But with a significant amount of MAO
inhibitors, the buildup can manifest itself in an unpleasant sustained
headache.
If you want to drink, stick to clear spirits like gin, vodka, or
everclear and mixers such as soda water.