NIALAMIDE

synthetic drug of the monoamine-oxidase inhibitor type, used to treat mental depression. Like other monoamine-oxidase inhibitor drugs, nialamide prevents the enzymatic breakdown of norepinephrine, the brain-neurotransmitter substance concerned with emotional stimulation. Nialamide is administered orally. The onset of action is delayed, the effects of the drug developing slowly over the first two weeks of therapy. As with other monoamine-oxidase inhibitor drugs, liver damage is a possible side effect.