Posted by Dreyfus on September 24, 2004, at 16:32:48
In reply to Re: Parnate and headache-Attn. Dreyfus, posted by bluebird on September 24, 2004, at 10:47:54
> Hi Dreyfus, I have just started taking Parnate. Today is my 3rd day. My ? is dietary. I went to the grocery store and found very little that I can have. One of the things on my no-no list is brewers yeast and yeast extract. Well this eliminates breads, almost all deli meats, soups and many other things. Also, meat tenderizer is on the list which pretty much eliminates any kind of meat when you eat out. Please help. I am finding it difficult to eat out of fear of consuming the wrong thing. Also, wow you have been on Parnate for 16 years? Is that at the same dose? if you don't mind me asking what do you take if for? Myself severe SP & depression along with APD (avoidant personality disorder).
> Put it this way I have everything that has to do with social anxiety and panic. Had it all my life. Your info would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks, bluebirdHi Bluebird,
I had similar worries when I first started Parnate, especially since I love to eat. However, over the years dietary restrictions were updated, various articles cleared certain foods, and I pushed the envelope at times. Basically, I always followed the restrictions on foods I didn't like and those that I could live without.First of all, you can eat bread, most soups, virtually all fresh meats. I've never had any problems with meat when I eat out, but I confess that I eat mostly fish. You can also eat many deli meats (check the list). I eat out 3-4 times a week so I've eaten many things. I eat Caesar Salad several times a week, aged cheeses (but only in small quantities), an occasional pizza and many other things that I'll tell you about when I think of them. I drink wine every day and have had a bottle of red wine on several occasions, although I usually drink white. I also had large quantities of brandy and other drinks of that nature (but I don't do this any more). Since I don't really care for beer, I usually limit myself to 2.
As everyone says, "your mileage will vary", so move cautiously. There have many threads here over the years on this topic and links to various articles and studies. You might also get your doctor to prescribe Nifedipine, at least early on, in case you do get a hypertensive reaction. For some reason, I've never had one.
On to your other questions, I started at 40 mg of Parnate. Unfortunately, over the years, several times I tried other medicines. It seems that everytime I went back on Parnate, I needed an additional 10 mg. I have increased to 80 mg several weeks ago. Frankly, I haven't been feeling very well of late (probably the drinking). I have been augmenting the Parnate with 15 mg Ritalin for the past several years and recently started Adderal instead. The jury is still out.
My diagosis is chronic depression. The main reason I went on MAOIs is everything else caused extreme anxiety when I got to a therapeutic dose. I also have some shyness and social anxiety, but I've never been specifically treated for that.
I hope this helps some. You'll get a lot of assistance on this board. Many people here have taken MAOIs and there is a wealth of knowledge. Good luck.
poster:Dreyfus
thread:393914
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040921/msgs/394619.html