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MAO-B Inhibitor: Quick Guide
If you’ve heard the term MAO‑B inhibitor and wonder what it means, you’re in the right place. These drugs block an enzyme called monoamine oxidase‑B, which helps break down dopamine in the brain. By slowing that breakdown, they keep more dopamine available, easing Parkinson’s symptoms and sometimes helping with depression.
How MAO‑B Inhibitors Work
Monoamine oxidase‑B is like a cleanup crew for dopamine. In Parkinson’s disease, dopamine levels are already low, so the cleanup crew makes the problem worse. MAO‑B inhibitors slow the crew down, letting the brain use the dopamine it still produces. The result is smoother movement, less stiffness, and fewer tremors for many patients. The effect is modest compared to stronger Parkinson’s meds, but it’s useful early on or as a add‑on when other drugs wear off.
Popular MAO‑B Inhibitor Drugs
The two most common MAO‑B inhibitors are selegiline and rasagiline. Selegiline has been around for decades and comes in tablet or patch form. Rasagiline is newer, usually taken once a day, and has a slightly cleaner side‑effect profile. Both require a prescription, and doctors often start with a low dose to see how you tolerate it. If you’re on a strict diet, watch out for foods high in tyramine—like aged cheese or cured meats—as they can interact with older, non‑selective MAO inhibitors, though the risk is low with the modern, selective MAO‑B drugs.
Side effects are usually mild: nausea, headache, or occasional insomnia. A small number of users report joint pain or dizziness, especially when standing up quickly. If you notice any severe reaction—like a rash, rapid heartbeat, or confusion—call your doctor right away.
When it comes to dosing, follow your prescriber’s instructions exactly. Selegiline often starts at 5 mg twice daily, while rasagiline typically begins at 0.5 mg once daily. Don’t mix these drugs with other Parkinson’s meds without checking, because some combinations can boost dopamine too much and cause hallucinations.
Finally, remember that MAO‑B inhibitors are just one piece of a Parkinson’s treatment puzzle. Exercise, physical therapy, and a balanced diet all help keep symptoms in check. Talk with your healthcare team about how an MAO‑B inhibitor fits into your overall plan, and keep track of how you feel each week. That way you can tweak the dosage or add another medication before problems get bigger.