SSRI v MAOI

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Can someone please explain the difference between SSRIs and MAOIs? How do these drugs function in the body?

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Not going to do all of the research for you...but here's something to get you started

SSRI: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Translation: helps prevent serotonin from being reuptook (?), resulting in higher serotonin levels

Includes fluoxetine (Prozac), setraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and a few other common antidepressants.

MAOI: monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Translation: inhibits monoamine oxidase.

Some older antidepressants were of this type. Noted for having severe side effects, severe and even fatal interactions with many other psych AND non-psych medications, and for requiring dietary restrictions (notably, a low-tyramine diet). So it's often prescribed as a last-resort when all else fails.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

We are happy to help but like merriwhen says...we wont do it for you. What do you have so far? What is your understanding of these drugs?

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Think about your physiology. What does monoamine oxidase do?

If you understand that you will understand not only the difference between the two but also why MAOIs have a large ADR profile.

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