MAOIs can lead to a variety of adverse effects due to their pharmacological action. The most significant concern is the risk of hypertensive crisis, a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure. This occurs when MAOIs interact with dietary tyramine, found in aged cheeses, smoked meats, and certain alcoholic beverages. Tyramine normally is broken down by monoamine oxidase, but when this enzyme is inhibited, tyramine levels can rise, leading to excessive release of norepinephrine, which may cause severe hypertension.
