NCIt definition : A hydralazine and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor with antidepressant activity.
Isocarboxazid blocks the breakdown (oxidative deamination) of biogenic amines by inhibiting
MAO, thereby increasing the concentrations of norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytrytamine
(5-HT) at central aminergic receptors. These neurotransmitters are involved in sustaining
mood and emotions. The down-regulation of central beta-adrenergic and serotonergic
receptors by chronic inhibition of MAO may also contribute to the antidepressant effects
seen by isocarboxazid. (NCI05);