Which medication is an MAOI?

Which medication is an MAOI?

• A. Sertraline
• B. Fluoxetine
• C. Isocarboxazid
• D. Venlafaxine

Answer: (C)

This item tests your ability to recognize a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) by its mechanism. MAOIs block the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which normally breaks down monoamines in the brain. By inhibiting this enzyme, they raise levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, helping improve mood. Isocarboxazid is a classic MAOI, so it is the correct pick. Sertraline and fluoxetine are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); they increase serotonin by blocking its reuptake, not by inhibiting MAO. Venlafaxine is an SNRI that inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. These mechanisms are different from MAOIs, which is why they are not the correct classification here. Knowing the MAOI mechanism also helps you remember why dietary and drug interactions matter with this class, especially foods high in tyramine and other serotonergic medications, which is a practical context beyond just identifying the drug class.

This item tests your ability to recognize a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) by its mechanism. MAOIs block the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which normally breaks down monoamines in the brain. By inhibiting this enzyme, they raise levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, helping improve mood. Isocarboxazid is a classic MAOI, so it is the correct pick.

Sertraline and fluoxetine are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); they increase serotonin by blocking its reuptake, not by inhibiting MAO. Venlafaxine is an SNRI that inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. These mechanisms are different from MAOIs, which is why they are not the correct classification here.

Knowing the MAOI mechanism also helps you remember why dietary and drug interactions matter with this class, especially foods high in tyramine and other serotonergic medications, which is a practical context beyond just identifying the drug class.