Which drug type used to treat depression works by preventing enzymatic destruction of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine?

The options

1. Beta-adrenergic blockers

2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

3. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

4. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

4. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

The CORRECT ANSWER IS 4.

4. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Explanation:

MAOIs were the first set of antidepressants to be produced. They are not currently used as antidepressants since it has side effects and might not be safer to use as this due to issues about its interactions with specific foods and different drug interactions. It increases the concentration of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine by decreasing the mode of an enzyme referred to as monoamine oxidase. Monoamine oxidase disrupts norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. When monoamine oxidase is enzymaticaly regulated to slow down its mode of action, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine are not disrupted, raising the level of all three neurotransmitters in the brain.

Use of MAOIs particularly demands diet restrictions and not making use of certain other medications as it can lead to an extremely high blood pressure when taken with certain foods or medications. Even with the side effects, it is known to alleviate depression when other treatments might not be effective.