I've been prescribed an MAO inhibitor which I'll begin taking in a month. I've been researching

Question

dietary restrictions and it mentions stuff about fish. Can I eat canned tuna? I'm unsure of the process tuna undergoes.

Answer 1

Consult your pharmacist or your doctor.  Do not seek advice on this topic from anonymous strangers on answers.

Answer 2

Canned or vacuum packed (in water) and fresh fish are considered safe. You should avoid any foods known to contain tyramine, which interacts with MAOI's and can cause serious adverse reactions such as hypertensive crisis. Foods that you should avoid include aged cheeses, fermented foods like saurkraut, smoked/dried meats like salami & pepperoni, pickled meats, liver, fava beans, soy products like soy sauce, miso soup & other asian broths, banana peels, red wine, & fermented yeast products (yeast pastes & certain beers). You should also take special care not to consume anything packaged that has expired because tyramine is a common breakdown/metabolite of protein based foods.

Answer 3

Welcome to the MAOI club. You can get your medic-alert bracelet and giftbasket at the door.

Canned Tuna is in a 'try it and see' category. What that means is you basically eat a very small portion and see if you get a headache, or any symptoms. Tuna itself does not seem to contain a lot of tyramine, but again, discuss with your doctor, he will now best and approved above plan or dismiss it.

Answer 4

The cans of tuna should be labelled instead of dolphin-safe, MOAI-safe!

Be careful coming off the old to make way for the new.  Nice and gradual, right?  I hope you'll do well.