Difference betwn MAOI and SSRI?
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MAOI is nonselective breaking down a group of neurotransmitters. Hence, they remain available.
SSRI: Selectively prevent the uptake of ONLY serotonin. So, only serotonin is manipulated to remain. It has less side effect because it is specific.
MAOI stands for Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor, SSRI stands for Selective Seritonin Reuptake Inhibitor and they both treat dpression in slightly different ways by regulating Seritonin levels in the brain. As far as exact method of action and side effect profiles you can find them online.
They block different receptors in to keep the neurotransmitters in the brain around longer. MOAI's or "monoamine oxidase inhibitors" block the receptor for the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down the neurotransmitters seratonin and norepinephrine (also dopamine, too). By inhibiting this enzyme, an MAOI causes these chemicals to stay around in the brain longer, which is believed be involved in it's antidepressant effects. An SSRI, or "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor" acts by binding to the specific receptor on the neuron (or brain cell) that causes serotonin to be taken back up into the cell and broken down/recycled. By causing the serotonin to stay around longer, The SSRI causes it to be active longer. This is believed to be at least part of the SSRI's antidepressant effects. MAOIs are older antidepressants, and have been around longer; they are very effective but tend to have a lot of drug & food interactions & so aren't used as much anymore. MAOIs interact w/ foods that contain tyramine (e.g. wine, aged cheese, certain processed meats, etc), and can cause a severe sometimes fatal reaction. Also certain drugs, such as decongestants aren't recommended if you are taking MAOI's. Therefore, SSRI's which are newer, and also effective, have generally become more popular, although MAOIs can still be used safely if the person knows what foods/drugs to avoid.
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