Posted by michael on August 8, 2001, at 21:09:35
In reply to Re: MAOIs and sleep problems » Grouch, posted by Elizabeth on August 5, 2001, at 8:12:07
Fwiw - I've read that melatonin is not a good idea when one is taking stimulants, because it sort of joins them, or prolongs their effects - or something like that... Sorry I can't quote something more authorative on this. In any case, the point is that rather than having its usual sleep-inducing effect, it has the oppisite effect, like additional amphetimines.
My point is that perhaps something similar occurs when one is taking MAOI's (since they, like amphetimines, act to increase dopamine/norepinephrine/seratonin - I think?)...? I want to stress that I don't know that to be a fact - this is purely something that crossed my mind when I read the previous post.
Anyway, I appologize if the above doesn't make sense... michael
> > MAOIs (Parnate & Marplan) are the only antidepressants that have been helpful for me. Unfortunately, I'm not able to tolerate them due to numerous side effects, especially sleep problems (insomnia, disrupted sleep cycle).
>
> That was a problem for me with MAOIs too. Their widespread effects on aminergic systems seem to blow the whole circadian cycle to bits. I have a book somewhere that discusses their effects on sleep in depth, but I'd need to dig around to find it (I moved recently).
>
> Adding Ambien to the MAOI was somewhat helpful for me, and I didn't grow tolerant to it.
>
> One thing that's sometimes suggested is melatonin. I'm not too sanguine about adding that to MAOIs, though: when I tried a small amount, it kept me up all night (even with Ambien), I was sweating excessively, and my pupils were very dilated.
>
> -elizabeth
poster:michael
thread:73594
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/74264.html