Monoamine oxidase inhibitor · Antidepressant
5 dangerous interactions — combining MAOIs with certain substances may be life-threatening.
Updated
Mar 16, 2026
References
0
Reports
0
Discussions
0
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are one of the most interaction-prone drug classes in existence. They prevent the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine). Combined with serotonergic drugs, they can cause fatal serotonin syndrome. Combined with tyramine-containing foods or stimulants, they can cause hypertensive crisis.
Last updated
Mar 16, 2026
References
0
Reports
0
Discussions
0
If someone is in crisis, call 911 or Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
No dosage data available.
Full dosage guideNo duration data available.
| Substance | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Amphetamine | Dangerous | MAOIs prevent the breakdown of norepinephrine and dopamine. Amphetamine causes their release. The combination can cause fatal hypertensive crisis — a sudden, extreme spike in blood pressure. |
| Cocaine | Dangerous | Cocaine blocks reuptake of catecholamines while MAOIs prevent their breakdown. This can cause hypertensive crisis and is potentially fatal. |
| DXM | Dangerous | DXM is serotonergic and MAOIs prevent serotonin breakdown. This combination has caused deaths from serotonin syndrome. One of the most dangerous OTC drug interactions. |
| MDMA | Dangerous | MAOIs prevent the breakdown of serotonin while MDMA floods the synapse with it. This combination has caused multiple deaths from serotonin syndrome. One of the most dangerous drug combinations known. |
| Tramadol | Dangerous | Potentially fatal combination. MAOIs prevent the breakdown of serotonin while tramadol inhibits its reuptake, leading to rapid serotonin accumulation. Multiple deaths have been reported from this combination. |
| DMT | Caution | MAOIs are actually used intentionally with DMT in ayahuasca. However, this requires careful dosing and carries significant risks. The MAOI dramatically potentiates and extends the DMT experience. Dangerous if dosing is not carefully controlled. |
No toxicity data available.
The combinations listed below may be life-threatening. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure safety when combining substances.
MAOIs prevent the breakdown of norepinephrine and dopamine. Amphetamine causes their release. The combination can cause fatal hypertensive crisis — a sudden, extreme spike in blood pressure.
Cocaine blocks reuptake of catecholamines while MAOIs prevent their breakdown. This can cause hypertensive crisis and is potentially fatal.
DXM is serotonergic and MAOIs prevent serotonin breakdown. This combination has caused deaths from serotonin syndrome. One of the most dangerous OTC drug interactions.
MAOIs prevent the breakdown of serotonin while MDMA floods the synapse with it. This combination has caused multiple deaths from serotonin syndrome. One of the most dangerous drug combinations known.
Potentially fatal combination. MAOIs prevent the breakdown of serotonin while tramadol inhibits its reuptake, leading to rapid serotonin accumulation. Multiple deaths have been reported from this combination.
| Full | Unknown |
| Half | Unknown |
| Zero | Unknown |
No tips yet. Be the first to share one!
