The nurse is providing instructions to a patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression. The nurse should include which of the following precautions?
Explanation
• MAOIs carry with them a risk of hypertensive crisis, so these patients need to be educated about foods and drinks to avoid.
• Stimulants and foods high in tyramine should be avoided. Examples include caffeine, dairy products, alcohol, ginseng, and aged meat.
• Although MAOIs can cause hypotension and dizziness, these side effects are mild and do not require that the patient walk with assistance.
• MAOIs have anticholinergic effects. Therefore, incontinence is not a side effect.
• Leafy greens are not high in tyramine and can be eaten.