Ken Gillman, M.D.

A discussion on MAOI antidepressants, covering their mechanism of action, dietary restrictions, managing orthostatic hypotension and hypertensive episodes, drug interactions, serotonin toxicity risks, and perioperative considerations. Topics include comparing phenelzine and tranylcypromine, modern tyramine risks, and safe combinations with non-SRI medications.

In this interview, Dr. Ken Gillman discusses the need to highlight anhedonia and anergia, which reflect dopaminergic deficits, as core symptoms of biological depression. He emphasizes the clinical utility of monoamine oxidase inhibitors in treating patients with melancholic or biological depression and Parkinson's disease. Dr. Gillman also discusses the risks of adjunctive use of atypical antipsychotics for depression, which may superficially improve symptoms of anxiety and agitation but fail to lead to true clinical improvement.