A variety of the chemical compound amine, which is derived from ammonia. A sympathomimetic agent with an action which resembles that of ADRENALINE, tyramine occurs in mistletoe, mature cheese, beers, red wine and decaying animal matter. This adrenaline effect is potentially dangerous for patients taking MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOIS) – ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS – because, when combined with tyramine, the blood pressure rises sharply. Such patients should avoid taking cheese, beers and red wine.