Free tool
Can I eat this with MAOIs?
MAOIs block the enzyme that breaks down tyramine. Tyramine-rich foods can cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 109 foods and drinks for MAOIs (70 to avoid, 27 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Can I ever eat cheese whilst taking MAOIs?
- Yes, but only fresh, unaged varieties — cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, and fresh mozzarella are safe as they contain minimal tyramine, whilst all aged, mature, or fermented cheeses must be avoided.
- How long do I follow a low-tyramine diet after stopping MAOIs?
- You must continue following tyramine restrictions for at least two weeks after taking your last dose of an MAOI, because MAOIs continue to affect the enzyme for up to 14 days after discontinuation.
- What should I do if I accidentally eat high-tyramine food on MAOIs?
- Monitor yourself closely for severe headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, nausea, or visual changes — if any symptoms develop, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 999 or going to A&E.
Grounded in the checker below and the full guide. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
MAOIs block the enzyme that breaks down tyramine. Tyramine-rich foods can cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure.
Tyramine rises as food ages, ferments, or spoils — freshness and storage matter as much as the food itself. Eat fresh, refrigerate promptly, and avoid anything aged, cured, fermented, or past its best. Moclobemide is more selective and less restrictive, but follow your prescriber.
Read our full MAOIs guide →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Foods to avoid with MAOIs· 70
Take care with MAOIs· 27
Fine with MAOIs· 12
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on MAOIs
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words. How we check
Food groups that matter with MAOIs
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.