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Answer:The full name for MAOIs (also called MAO inhibitors) is monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are a type of prescription antidepressant medication used to treat panic disorder and bipolar depression. They include phenelzine (Nardil®) and tranylcypromine (Parnate®). Another drug, selegeline (Eldepryl®), used to treat Parkinson's disease, is also an MAOI.

Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications—including cold and flu remedies—can cause a dangerous interaction with an MAOI. (Some foods also can interact with MAOIs, including chocolate.) Because of these factors, doctors tend to prescribe other types of antidepressants before MAOIs.

Visit Walgreens.com Health Library to read more about depression or Parkinson's disease.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

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