Category: M

A group of antidepressant medications that exert their antidepressant and anxiolytic effects through inhibition of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the brain, resulting in elevated levels of neurotransmitters. Maois are infrequently prescribed because of the risk of hypertensive crisis if dietary restrictions are not followed and because of the potential for dangerous drug-drug interactions.…

An enzyme found in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral organs, including the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and liver, that breaks down biogenic amines (neurotransmitters) and other monoamines (e.g., tyramine), rendering them inactive. Inhibition of this enzyme (for which there are two forms, mao-a and mao-b) by certain antidepressant drugs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors [maois]) may…

An amine containing only one amino group. An organic compound containing nitrogen in one amino group (NH2). Some of the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. The family of “feel good” neurotransmitters present in the brain such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.  

A conventional antipsychotic medication (a dihydroindolone) used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The brand name moban was discontinued by the manufacturer in 2010, and no generics are currently available. An antipsychotic. Moban is the brand name.  

The type of biology concerned with the study of structures and processes at the cellular level and particularly of intracellular responses such as the role of a protein, an enzyme, and other chemicals in a metabolic pathway; how nucleic acid stores information affecting cellular structure and function; and how metabolites in one cell may affect…

An atypical stimulant (unrelated to the amphetamines) used to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea; narcolepsy; and circadian rhythm sleep disorder, shift work type. Marketed under the brand name provigil.  

Former brand name for the discontinued conventional antipsychotic drug molindone.  

A proposed disorder (listed in dsm-iv-tr appendix b, “criteria sets and axes provided for further study”) featuring symptoms of anxiety and depression that cause significant impairment or distress but do not meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder.  

An atypical antidepressant medication believed to exert its effects through antagonism of central presynaptic alpha2-adrenergic receptors of both noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons. It has been characterized as a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA). Marketed under the brand name remeron.  

Brand name for the antiparkinsonian drug pramipexole.