Due to _______, antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can cause cardiac arrhythmias and high blood pressure in patients that consume foods high in tyramine.

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Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that breaks down tyramine (an amino acid found in many foods). MAOIs inhibit this enzyme, leading to an accumulation of tyramine in the body. This can cause a so-called "cheese effect" when a patient takes MAOIs and consumes tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods. The excess tyramine can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure and can lead to life-threatening complications such as stroke or cardiac arrhythmias. This is why patients taking MAOIs must follow a strict low-tyramine diet.

Due to _______, Antidepressants Known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)