Posted by Jedi on January 9, 2008, at 4:33:31
In reply to Phenelzine vs Tranylcypromine (Nardil vs. Parnate), posted by Phoenix1 on January 8, 2008, at 12:31:27
> I'm wondering if anyone can share their objective/subjective observations on Nardil vs. Parnate. I'm on Nardil. I'm just doing some reading and it appears that Parnate is preferred. Fewer side effects, less toxicity, similar efficacy. I think I/my pdoc chose Nardil because it is more anxiolytic than Parnate but now I'm questioning the decision. Please share your thoughts on the differences between these two especially if you've tried them both.
>
> Phoenix1Hi,
I've been on both medications. Nardil, for most of eleven years with two short trials of Parnate. The reason for the Parnate trials was the weight gain and anorgasmia from Nardil. During the 2nd trial of Parnate, it seemed to be working fairly well while augmented with clonazepam. This supplied the GABA which Nardil has and Parnate doesn't. Unfortunately, I had a rare spontaneous hypertensive reaction while on Parnate; had to go back to Nardil.I've also had small increases in blood pressure while on Nardil, with no meds or food to precipitate it. These are not full fledged hypertensive emergencies. Just enough to make me feel sick with a strange feeling in the chest. When this happens, I lay down for a few minutes and the pain goes away. I don't get a headache, though I rarely do. This makes it pretty easy for me to tell if a hypertensive crisis is coming on. Nardil normally lowers my blood pressure at least ten points. This eliminates the need for a blood pressure med to control my normally borderline high BP.
Both Parnate and Nardil cause extreme afternoon tiredness. With Nardil, I used it long enough for that side effect to go away. I had severe somnolence every afternoon with Parnate.
Both medications cause extreme insomnia in me. With Nardil I have been able to get a good night's sleep almost every night with clonazepam(2mg) and Seroquel(25mg). It is mostly the Seroquel that causes the sleepiness in me. I am highly sensitive to antihistamines, though their affect on somnolence wears off quickly. Seroquel's antagonism of histamine H 1 receptors may explain the somnolence observed with this drug. After six months of use it still works for me at the very low dose of 25mg.
I believe you have to be more careful with hypertensive emergencies while on Parnate as opposed to Nardil. Nardil is a more relaxing medication after you get over the initial side effects. When I first took Nardil I had a several week feeling of euphoria or hypomania when the medication first kicked in. If this happens to you, don't mistake it for the antidepressant effect. Some Pdocs will take a patient off Nardil if they experience hypomania. In my case, after a few weeks the hypomania went away. Sometimes I wish I could have it back. Be careful not to make any rash decisions while experiencing hypomania. You may end up divorced, broke, etc.
Be well,
Jedi
poster:Jedi
thread:805096
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080105/msgs/805279.html