A word that everyone else is afraid to define except in utter seriousness, for fear of being branded a rascist, in total ignorance of the colloquial usage of the word, its characterization in popular culture, and the populations of people it is used most by.
Monoamine oxidase. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are chemicals which inhibit the activity of the monoamine oxidase enzyme family. They have a long history of use as medications prescribed for the treatment of depression. They are particularly effective in treating atypical depression.AOIs act by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, thus preventing the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters and thereby increasing their availability. There are two isoforms of monoamine oxidase, MAO-A and MAO-B.
How MAOIs work. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressants (MAOIs) work by binding with and stopping the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme found throughout the body.Monoamine oxidase breaks down a number of chemicals made and used by the body and brain.AOIs also increase the amounts of other chemicals in the body and especially some chemicals which are found in food and other medications. Because they increase chemicals other than noradrenaline and serotonin MAOIs can have serious and dangerous side effects if you are not careful about certain foods and other drugs.