Reversal of the Effect of α-Methyldopa by Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

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Abstract
L-α-Methyldopa, which normally causes sedation, induces a strong central excitation in mice pretreated with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor after a lag of a few hours. It is concluded that this excitation is caused by accumulation of free catecholamines liberated by amines which are slowly formed by decarboxylation of α-methyldopa. The hypotensive and sedative effects of α-methyldopa given alone are attributed to the slow release of catecholamines and subsequent breakdown by monoamine oxidase so that a partial depletion of catecholamines ensues.