MAOIs (2 subtypes: Irreversible and Reversible)
Irreversible N.B.: half-lives not included because they mean very little in the case of irreversible MAOIs.
-Selegiline (Deprenyl) [selective for MAO-B]
---------------
Recreational Drug Interactions
Alcohol: If you are taking a MAOI, it is best to avoid Chianti wine and vermouth, as well as imported beer and ale. Consumption of red, white, and port wine in quantities less than 120ml present little risk. Whisky and liqueurs such as Drambuie and Chartreuse have also caused reactions. Best to stick with drinks like vodka, gin, rum etc and to avoid imported beers and red wine.
GHB (and related substances),Benzos (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin etc) and Barbiturates: While you can take these drugs while on a MAOI, please be very careful when doing so and take LOW DOSES. MAOIs cause hypErtension while benzos/barbs cause hypOtension, and thus you can confuse and upset your heart rate, blood pressure etc by combining the two drugs.
Opiates (Heroin, Codeine, Vicodin, Oxy etc): It is NOT SAFE to use opiates while on a MAOI. Combining these drugs could lead to hyper or hypotensive crises, as well as respiratory complications. Avoid these drugs if you are taking a MAOI, PLEASE!
Ketamine: It is safe to use ketamine while taking a MAOI.
DXM (Dextromethorphan, Robotussin): This can be a very DANGEROUS combination! Do not take DXM and MAOIs together! Combining DXM with a MAOI can lead to too much serotonin in your brain, which can cause the potentially FATAL serotonin syndrome. If you are on a MAOI that is selective for MAO b, such as rasagiline or selegiline (l-deprenyl), then it is safe to use DXM.
MDMA/Ecstasy (includes MDA, MDEA etc): A VERY DANGEROUS combination. Do not roll while you are taking a MAOI. This leads to serotonin syndrome, a hypertensive crisis, and eventually death. A number of people have DIED from combining MDMA and a MAOI. DO NOT DO THIS! If you are on a MAOI that is selective for MAO b, however, such as rasagiline or selegiline (l-deprenyl), then it is safe to use MDMA, and in fact the MAO b inhibitors have been shown to reduce MDMA-related neurotoxicity. The same goes for the stimulants discussed in the next paragraph.
Amphetamines (Methamphetamine, Adderall, Dexedrine), Ritalin (methylphenidate), Cocaine, 4-MAR (4-methylaminorex, sometimes called 'ice' or 'euphoria'): Again, a DANGEROUS combination, pretty much like combining MDMA and a MAOI. Stay away from stimulants when taking a MAOI!
Hallucinogens (LSD/Acid, psilocybin/Shrooms, Tryptamines, 2-ct-2,DPT, DMT etc, Salvia): Apparently, people taking MAOIs are LESS sensitive to hallucinogens/tryptamines than normally. This is especially true with LSD. Interactions with the tryptamines and with salvia are not well established, so please be VERY CAREFUL when combining. Start out with a LOW DOSE and see how the drug affects you before proceeding.
---------------
Irreversible MAOIs If you are taking an irreversible MAOI, you need to abstain from drug for a week before starting your medication. If you are going OFF an irreversible MAOI, you need to avoid recreational drugs for THREE WEEKS. Please be careful and heed this advice, or severe medical problems and/or death are possible.