Posted by Crotale on June 2, 2008, at 17:25:52
In reply to Considering an MAOI, posted by David G on May 1, 2008, at 13:52:36
> My doc and I have discussed MAOI's as an alternative.
Hi there. Both Wellbutrin and Lamictal can be combined safely with MAOIs, just so you know.
> I need to keep my energy up (if normal is a 10 and coma is 0, I'm about 6-7 on a good day). I've reviewed the standard lit out there about drug and food interactions and the generalized side effects.
A lot of the lists of food interactions (even those provided by doctors, hospitals, pharmacists, etc.) are not based on well-documented case reports or accurately measured levels of biogenic amines (tyramine, etc.). I believe there's a list here on Dr. Bob's site that's more accurate.
> 2) What kind of antihistamine do you take if you have a cold/flu?
Antihistamines (diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine) are safe to use with MAOIs. It's decongestants (pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, etc.) that you need to watch out for.
> Any problems with anti-biotics?
None that I'm aware of.
> 3) I've seen mention of intestinal problems but is that really from the drug or is that from (unknowingly) eating things from the Do Not Eat list?
It's a side effect. The food interactions result in elevated blood pressure.
> I've also seen contradictions regarding if fish can be eaten or not.
You may want to avoid pickled herring, just in case, but fish in general is fine.
> 4) If you have tried different MAOI's, which ones did you like or not? Why?
I prefer Parnate (am still taking it now). Nardil and Marplan both pooped out after a few months and caused massive weight gain. Selegiline didn't help much, and it made me jittery. YMMV, of course, but weight gain with Nardil is extremely common.
> 5) I've seen reference to MAOI's increasing respiration infections like bronchitus and sinusitus? Anyone have input on that?
No...where did you read this?
Crotale
poster:Crotale
thread:826622
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080418/msgs/832556.html