What dietary substance should be avoided by patients on MAOIs?

Patients on MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, need to avoid tyramine because this substance can lead to severe hypertensive crises when consumed in significant amounts. MAOIs work by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters, which can also affect the metabolism of tyramine. Normally, tyramine is broken down by monoamine oxidase, but with that inhibition, tyramine can accumulate, leading to dangerously high blood pressure.

Foods that have high levels of tyramine include aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, and some alcoholic beverages. This inhibition and the subsequent risk associated with tyramine are critical for patients taking MAOIs, making it essential that they are educated on dietary restrictions to avoid serious complications. The emphasis on tyramine is due to its direct link to the dangerous side effects that could arise from its interaction with MAOIs.