title: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants: comparison of their cardiovascular effects.
abstract: The cardiovascular effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are contrasted with those of the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). At therapeutic doses, MAOIs lower supine blood pressure and increase the postural fall in blood pressure, whereas TCAs have only the latter effect. MAOIs have little effect on heart rate and do not prolong cardiac conduction; TCAs increase heart rate and prolong cardiac conduction. Neither class of drugs appears to impair cardiac mechanical functioning. For patients with certain cardiac problems, MAOIs may have an advantage over TCAs.
mesh_terms: D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000150:complications; D000818:Animals; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000150:complications; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors