Posted by Meagan on October 9, 2007, at 10:57:42
In reply to What is 'Irreversible' MAO Inhibition?, posted by War-Face on October 9, 2007, at 10:36:51
My understanding is that "irreversible" is not really irreversible; what it refers to is that the MAOI inhibiter prevents your body from manufacturing what is necessary to "create" a particular MAO. When you go off an "irreversible" inhibitor , there may be a long "washout" period, maybe a month, before your body begins to manufacture that MAO again.
Below is an excerpt from about.com describing the theory behind the therapeutic effects of an irreversible mao inhibiter:
"Irreversible MAO inhibition produces long-lasting effects by inactivating the MAO enzyme, which may require several weeks to regenerate. The basis for the antidepressant activity following MAO inhibition is primarily attributed to the increased concentrations of biogenic amines (e.g., neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) at various storage sites in the central nervous system and sympathetic nervous system. Increased brain amines produce central nervous system stimulation and subsequent therapeutic effects. Since MAO is a complex enzyme system and is widely distributed throughout the body, it is unknown whether MAO inhibitors exert their antidepressant effects via MAO inhibition alone or in conjunction with other pharmacologic actions."
> Does this mean that the effects on MAO are permanent and that after taking an MAOI, you have to follow the diet for the rest of your life? I am unsure about what this means.
>
> I'm interested in Emsam particularly, which I know seems pretty irregular as far as MAOIs for the delivery mechanism.>
poster:Meagan
thread:788064
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071009/msgs/788067.html