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)

An MAO inhibitor that is effective in the treatment of major depression, dysthymic disorder, and atypical depression. It also is useful in the treatment of panic disorder and the phobic disorders. (From AMA, Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p311)