The FDA recently approved the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) selegiline in a transdermal (patch) formulation (Emsam – Bristol-Myers Squibb/Somerset) for treatment of major depressive disorder. Selegiline is also available in an oral formulation (Eldepryl, and others) for treatment of Parkinson’s disease.1

MAOIs — MAOIs are highly effective for treatment of depression, including some cases resistant to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other drugs.2 The mechanism of action of MAOIs in depression is not completely understood, but they are involved in catabolism of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Older MAOIs such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate) and isocarboxazid (Marplan) are nonselective and inhibit both the A and B subtypes of MAO. Blocking MAO-A in the GI tract ... more      

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