Mechanism
MAOIs inhibit monoamine oxidase → prevent tyramine breakdown → tyramine accumulates → triggers massive norepinephrine release → hypertensive crisis (BP >180/120). Potentially fatal.
Recommendation
Tyramine reaction is a medical emergency (severe headache, chest pain, vision changes). Strict dietary compliance is mandatory. Most doctors now prescribe newer antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) that don't require these restrictions.
⚠️ Foods to STRICTLY AVOID
aged-cheesecured-meatfermented-foodssoy-saucesauerkrautkimchidraft-beerred-wineoverripe-bananaavocadofava-beansmarmite
✅ Safe Alternatives
fresh-meatfresh-fishfresh-dairyfresh-vegetablesfresh-fruitricepastabreadmost processed-foods