A patient at a Christmas party on a cruise ship develops a terrible headache. His blood pressure is 224/158 mm Hg. Which of the following agents is this patient most likely taking regularly?
- tricyclic antidepressants
- barbiturates
- benzodiazepines
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- phenothiazines
Answer: D
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
This is a typical scenario for MAOI induced malignant hypertension from eating the "wrong" foods, which are frequently found on a Christmas buffet, (cheese, sausages, red wine, etc).
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