THE USE OF SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SSRIs) IN SMOKERS AND THE RISKS OF INTERACTION WITH MAO INHIBITORS PRESENT IN TOBACCO SMOKE

Abstract

Chronic smokers exhibit significant inhibition of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B enzymes in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. This inhibition is caused by compounds present in tobacco smoke. The objective of this study was to analyze the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in smokers and to investigate the risks associated with the interaction of these medications with MAO inhibitors present in tobacco smoke. This is an integrative literature review using the PubMed database. There is a considerable body of evidence linking MAO enzyme activity and gene expression to tobacco addiction. Smoking reduces MAO activity throughout the body, particularly in brain regions associated with reward-oriented behaviors