[The use of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor isocarboxazide in treatment-resistant depression]

Abstract

The antidepressant efficacy of isocarboxazide is well established; however, the clinical use early became restricted and today the use of isocarboxazide in Denmark is very limited. Isocarboxazide is safe when keeping a low tyramine-containing diet and avoiding concomitant treatment with certain drugs. The risk of developing oedema can be reduced by vitamin B6 treatment. Normal dosage isocarboxazide may be prescribed for all patients because isocarboxazide is not metabolized through the CYP2D6 enzyme complex like most other antidepressants. It is recommended to include isocarboxazide in the official treatment algorithms for patients who are resistant to conventional antidepressant therapy and electroconvulsive therapy.