Supplement Index > Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / MAO Inhibitors > General Description Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are used to relieve certain types of mental depression. They work by blocking the action of a chemical substance known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the nervous system. Although these medicines are very effective for certain patients, they may also cause some unwanted reactions if not taken in the right way. It is very important to avoid certain foods, beverages, medicines, and supplements while you are being treated with a MAO inhibitor. It is important to consult your health care professional to obtain a list of which products you should avoid. MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) were the first antidepressant medications invented that are generally available from a doctorÂ’s prescription. While they are quite effective, they can be dangerous if combined with the wrong foods, drugs, or supplements. The substance tyramine, found in some cheeses, beer, fermented soy products, and other foods, is particularly dangerous to combine with these medications. Stimulant drugs such as pseudoephedrine, certain over the counter drugs, and various herbs can also cause problems. Some MAO inhibitors may include but not be limited to: Drug Family Drug Name(s) benmoxin Nerusil, Neuralex echinopsidine iodide Adepren etryptamine Monase furazolidone Furoxone furazolidone Furoxone iproclozide Sinderesin, Sursum iproniazid Iprozid, Ipronid, Marsilid, Rivivol, Propilniazida isocarboxazid Enerzer, Marplan, Marplon mebanazine Actamol metfendrazine H.M.-11 moclobamide Aurorix, Manerix A nialamide Espril, Isalazina, Mygal, Niamid, Niaquitil, Nuredal, Psicomidina, Surgex pargyline Eudatine, Eutonyl, Tenalin phenelzine Nardil, Stinerval, Monofen, Fenelzin, Kalgan, Nardelzine pheniprazine Catron, Catroniazide, Cavodil, Fenizin phenoxypropazine Drazine pivhydrazine Neomarsilid, Tersavid safrazine Safra selegiline, l-deprenyl Atapryl, Eldeprine, Eldepryl, Jumex, Jumexal, Lesotal, Movergan, Selpak, Novo-Selegiline B toloxatone Hymoryl, Perenum C tranylcypromine Parnate, Sicoton, Transamin, Transapin, Tylciprine Notes A. Reversible inhibitor B. Selective MAO-B inhibitor C. Selective MAO-A inhibitor Ayahuasca also contains MAOIs, generally in the form of Banisteriopsis caapi or Syrian rue (harmine and harmaline). Herb and Supplement Interaction The following is a partial list of herbs and supplements that may perform similar functions as a MAO inhibitor and therefore may have negative interactions with MAO inhibitors. If you are taking a MAO inhibitor you should consult with your doctor before takeing the following herbs or supplements. St. Johns Wort / Hypericum perforatum American Ginseng Asian Ginseng / Panax Ginseng / Korean Ginseng 5 - hydroxy tryptophan / 5HTP / L-tryptophan Bitter Orange / Citrus aurantium Brewers Yeast Ephedrine / Ephedra, other names - Sida Cortifoloa, Brigham Tea, Mormon tea, American Ephedra, Nevada Joint-fir, American Ma Huang, Mexican tea, Desert Ephedra, Vitamin B6 / Pyridoxine L - Tyrosine Yohimbe Ginkgo Biloba Benefits - Those taking MAOI drugs for depression who experienced sexual dysfunction may benefit from the addition of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) in the amount of 240 mg per day to effectively reverse the sexual dysfunction. Ginkgo has been reported to help men with some forms of erectile dysfunction.