MAOI Washout Period: What You Need to Know

When planning a MAOI washout period, you first need a clear definition. MAOI washout period, the time required after stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor before beginning another serotonergic medication. Also known as MAOI discontinuation interval, this period is crucial for patient safety.

The drugs you’re stepping away from belong to the MAOIs, monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline. Because MAOIs linger in the body, the washout period depends on each drug’s half‑life and whether it’s reversible or irreversible. Understanding MAOI pharmacokinetics therefore influences how long you wait before adding a serotonergic drug, any medication that raises serotonin levels, like SSRIs, SNRIs, or certain migraine treatments.

Combining residual MAOI activity with a serotonergic drug can trigger serotonin syndrome, a potentially life‑threatening condition marked by agitation, hyperthermia, and overactive reflexes. The risk of this syndrome dictates the minimum length of the washout period—typically at least 14 days for irreversible MAOIs and 2‑5 days for reversible ones.

In practice, clinicians follow three steps: (1) identify the specific MAOI and its pharmacologic profile, (2) calculate the appropriate washout interval, and (3) monitor for signs of serotonin excess when the new medication starts. This workflow encompasses drug clearance, requires patient education, and influences dosing decisions for the upcoming therapy. Below you’ll find articles that dive deep into opioid metabolism, antibiotic comparisons, antidepressant guides, and other topics that intersect with drug interactions and safe switching strategies. Read on to see how these principles apply across a range of medications and clinical scenarios.