The use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors in the treatment of elderly, depressed patients.

Depression is an extremely common illness in the elderly, and is, at times, refractory to the usual therapies. The elderly are also particularly prone to develop toxic side effects from standard antidepressive agents. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are rarely used in this population, although much evidence and clinical experience would indicate that they can be extremely effective and non-toxic. This paper outlines the indications and precautions for use and side effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors in the treatment of depression in elderly patients.