The present status of monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

The present status of monoamine oxidase inhibitors in the treatment of depression is reviewed. With adequate doses they are effective antidepressants, but dosages have in the past been too low. Provided proper dietary precautions are taken, the incidence of fatality from dietary interactions is very small and should not deter doctors from using these drugs, especially in those depressed patients who do not respond to tricyclic-type antidepressants. The present status of combining monoamine oxidase inhibitors with tricyclics is discussed, as are the newer specific inhibitors particularly clorgyline and deprenyl.