About
MAOI antidepressantsYour doctor has decided that your condition is best treated using an MAOI. Treatment with this class of medicine does require certain precautions to be taken. It is therefore important that you study this leaflet carefully. Carry an MAOI card with you at all times (this can be obtained from the pharmacist) and show it to any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you may consult.
There are certain foods, drinks and medicines which contain substances that can cause a dangerous reaction, during treatment and even for 14 days after treatment with an MAOI.
- Medicines
A number of medicines, including tablets, capsules, nose drops, inhalations and suppositories, can be bought over the counter from a pharmacy , chemist, supermarket, newsagent etc. Many of these are very dangerous if taken together with an MAOI. To avoid any complications follow these simple rules:- Only buy medicines from a pharmacy Do not buy from a supermarket, drug store etc. If you buy a medicine, show your MAOI card to the pharmacist who will check that it is safe for you to take.
- Do not take medicines from friends or relatives however well meaning
- Consult your doctor before taking any other medicines previously prescribed for you
- Remember that pain relievers, tonics, laxatives and treatments for coughs, colds. 'flu' or hay fever are medicines too. If in doubt ask your pharmacist
- Dairy products Including cheese
Avoid all cheese (including cheese spreads) and food that contains cheese, e.g pizza, pies, etc -fresh yoghurt should be safe to eat. - Meat, poultry and fish
Do not eat hung game, pickled, salted or smoked fish like herring or mackerel. Avoid any meat, fish or poultry that you suspect could be stale or "going off". Liver and liver pate must not be eaten unless very fresh. - Fruit and Vegetables
Avoid broad bean pods (the beans themselves may be eaten), avocado pears, banana skins (the banana flesh may be eaten) and canned figs. - Yeast and meat extracts
Oxo, Bovril, Marmite and other meat or yeast extracts must be avoided. Gravy made from the juices from roast or fresh meat should be safe. - Drinks
Alcoholic drinks vary considerably and so it is safest to avoid them all. There may, however, be some drinks that your doctor may decide are safe for you to drink in true moderation. Any advice is specific to you. You should follow it exactly. Non-alcoholic beers, lagers and wines should also be avoided.
Eat only fresh foods or freshly prepared foods that have been frozen or canned. Keep a careful note of any food or drink that disagrees with you, avoid it and tell your doctor.