| Cheese Syndrome |
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The name of the syndrome is derived of the story of the British pharmacist who first noted the effect. His wife, who used a MAOI at the time, complained of headaches every time they had eaten cheese, which is particularly rich in tyramine. MAOIs work by decreasing the action of the Enzyme monoamine oxidase, which destroys Neurotransmitters like Serotonin . Increasing the serotonin concentration in the brain ultimately helps people with depressions. But it turned out the enzyme was also responsible for the breakdown of tyramine, a compound that causes severe discomfort or even death if it builds up to too high a concentration. The connection drawn by the pharmacist explained why many people had been complaining of headaches while using the medicine, but also why some had died of brain Haemorrhages while on the drug. The latter effect had caused MAOI's to be taken off the market for a while, even after the cheese connection was made. In modern days, MAOIs are prescribed yet again, but patients are told to watch their diet. Red wine, nuts and cheese should not be combined with this particular class of anti-depressants. |
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