Patients taking non-selective
MAOIs can suffer a serious hypertensive reaction if they drink some beers, lagers or wines, including low-alcohol drinks, but apparently not spirits. However, this is a reaction to the tyramine content rather than the
alcohol. The hypotensive adverse effects of the
MAOIs may be exaggerated in a few patients by
alcohol and they may experience dizziness and faintness after drinking relatively modest amounts.
Avoid tyramine-rich drinks and counsel patients on the possible response to
alcohol.