tyramine /tī″rəmēn/ [Gk, tyros, cheese, amine, ammonia] , an amino acid synthesized in the body from the essential amino acid tyrosine. Tyramine stimulates the release of the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine. People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors should avoid the ingestion of foods and beverages containing tyramine, particularly aged cheeses and meats, bananas, yeast-containing products, and certain alcoholic beverages, such as red wines. See also amine, catecholamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, sympathomimetic, vasoconstriction.
