Is Your Antidepressant An MAOI?

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the first antidepressants ever created. They typically have more serious side effects than newer antidepressants. In particular, they can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure when taken with certain medications or foods. 

Because of these side effects, it’s important to know whether the antidepressant you’re taking is an MAOI.

Is Zoloft An MAOI?

Zoloft is the brand name for an antidepressant called sertraline. It’s not an MAOI. 

Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs increase the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps regulate your mood. 

Is Lexapro An MAOI?

Lexapro is the brand name for an antidepressant called escitalopram. It’s not an MAOI. Instead, like Zoloft, it’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). 

Is Wellbutrin An MAOI?

Wellbutrin is the brand name for an antidepressant called bupropion. It’s not an MAOI. 

Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called NDRIs, which stands for norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors. 

NDRIs increase the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine is a brain chemical that helps regulate your emotions, energy, and stress reactions. Dopamine is a brain chemical that helps regulate your mood, motivation, and ability to feel pleasure.

Is Sertraline An MAOI?

Sertraline is an antidepressant that’s often sold under the brand name Zoloft. It’s not an MAOI. Instead, it’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). 

Is Prozac An MAOI?

Prozac is the brand name for an antidepressant called fluoxetine. It’s not an MAOI. Instead, it’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). 

Is Fluoxetine An MAOI?

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that’s often sold under the brand name Prozac. It’s not an MAOI. 

Is Effexor An MAOI?

Effexor is the brand name for an antidepressant called venlafaxine. It’s not an MAOI. 

Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs). These drugs increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. 

Is Bupropion An MAOI?

Bupropion is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It’s often sold under the brand name Wellbutrin. It’s not an MAOI. 

Is Xanax An MAOI?

Xanax is the brand name for a prescription drug called alprazolam. It’s used to treat anxiety and panic. It’s not an MAOI. 

Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (or “benzos”). It makes you feel calm by increasing the activity of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Is Cymbalta An MAOI?

Cymbalta is the brand name for an antidepressant called duloxetine. It’s not an MAOI. Instead, it’s a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). 

Is Trazodone An MAOI?

Trazodone is an antidepressant that’s often sold under the brand names Desyrel, Oleptro, and Trazodone D. It’s not an MAOI. 

Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain.

Is Celexa An MAOI?

Celexa is the brand name for an antidepressant called citalopram. It’s not an MAOI. Instead, it’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Is Escitalopram An MAOI?

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that’s often sold under the brand name Lexapro. It’s not an MAOI. 

Is Duloxetine An MAOI?

Duloxetine is a prescription drug that’s often sold under the brand name Cymbalta. It’s not an MAOI. Instead, it’s a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).

Is Abilify An MAOI?

Abilify is the brand name for a prescription drug called aripiprazole. It’s not an MAOI. Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics (also called second-generation psychotics). It’s used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. 

Is Lamictal An MAOI?

Lamictal is the brand name for a prescription drug called lamotrigine. It’s not an MAOI. Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It’s also considered a mood stabilizer. It’s used to treat bipolar disorder and certain seizure disorders. 

Some people abuse their antidepressants by using them in a manner not prescribed. 

If you or someone you love struggles with antidepressant abuse, please contact an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer a variety of evidence-based services to help you recover from drug abuse and addiction.