![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 1, 2007, at 9:54:48
I am sort of overwhelmed by all the diet and medicine restrictions. Then there are side effects, which I guess come with all meds, including non-MOAIs. I am about to start Nardil for GAD (anxiety) and depression. Can anyone share their experiences on starting the med? Was it pleasant? I just need some confidence to get this going. Thanks Michael
Posted by stargazer on March 2, 2007, at 0:25:17
In reply to What does it feel like to be on Nardil?, posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 1, 2007, at 9:54:48
Michael...I had my first good response to any medication on Nardil. When it works, it is a miracle. Now this was back in 1987, unfortunately it stopped working after 2 years but today they would have kept me on it and just upped the dose. Too bad they knew so little back then about what to do when a drug stops working.
Know what, I had little side effects and I always had side effects on most other drugs. That is how you know when a drug is the right one. And I was so happy to feel good, I could have given up any foods to stay on that medication.
I could still be trying it down the road so I will be watching and hoping for your recovery real soon...that's the other thing it worked very quickly and i was only on 15 mg twice a day.
When did you stop Emsam and how long a washout period is there before starting Nardil?
Stargazer
Posted by Phillipa on March 2, 2007, at 12:07:40
In reply to Re: What does it feel like to be on Nardil?, posted by stargazer on March 2, 2007, at 0:25:17
Michel was the anxiety and insomnia that bad on the EMSAM? What made you want to switch? Love Phillipa
Posted by UGottaHaveHope on March 2, 2007, at 13:46:25
In reply to Re: What does it feel like to be on Nardil?, posted by stargazer on March 2, 2007, at 0:25:17
Yes, I am no doctor, but from reading other posts on here, if Nardil pooped out on you, it seems like the pdoc would've likely increased your dose to maintain course. I've read several stories on the site where that has happened, and they were lucky enough to feel a response at a higher dose (not all, but the majority).
Did you ever have any weight gain issues on Nardil? Do you think that is overblown? I mean, when you feel better or have Nardil-induced hunger, you would likely be prone to eat more.
Did you have any hyperintensive reactions in your two years? Were you scared to try it initially? And I know I have asked you this, but did it help with anxiety? On a level on 1-10, how did you feel overall on it, to the best of your memory?
I wish you the best, too, SG. Prayers your way.
Posted by stargazer on March 2, 2007, at 20:57:20
In reply to Re: Nardil experiences - Stargazer » stargazer, posted by UGottaHaveHope on March 2, 2007, at 13:46:25
Michael,
Weight Gain: none or very little. I was much younger so didn't have the middle age paunch from being sedentary.
No hypertension, I followed the diet pretty eaasily. I have a cuff and you should get one too just in case BP escalates.
The doctor that prescribed it minimized all the negatives so I wasn't scared. Mao's were used much more frequently back in 1987, unlike today. Prozac had not come out yet so choices were much more limited. Doctors were not scaredy cats back then.
Yes, I believe I had a huge anxiety component of my depression back then.
10 from my recollection!!!! Ace knows the score.
Proceed confidently, you have a really good shot with it, I'm right behind you...
I wish I skipped the Emsam and went right to Nardil as I had requested but of course my doctor talked me into trying Emsam first. I'm such a gullible sucker at times. Milk toast when it comes to taking charge of my recovery!
No wonder I haven't gotten better in years, the docs tell me what to do but the drugs they give me are not helping like they should. I have to tell them what to do, that is NOT right. I pay them, not the other way around.
Emsam is not a bad drug but I still have higher hopes for a better response with Nardil, as I remembered I had before. Back then, the limit on dosage was way lower and they did not increase doses beyond recommended doses as they do today without a second thought.
***StarGazer***
Posted by gardenergirl on March 2, 2007, at 21:44:27
In reply to Re: Nardil experiences - Stargazer, posted by stargazer on March 2, 2007, at 20:57:20
What I noticed immediately with Nardil was feeling confident. I hadn't realized I was anxious until I felt what it was like to not feel that way. I also was able to get up out of bed each morning, whereas with my atypical depression and leaden paralysis, I would just lie there even if I had somewhere I had to be.
I had two times that might have been hypertension related but were not crises. Once I had stuffing at Thanksgiving that had the broth the giblets were cooked in. I got a migraine-like headache that lasted for 2-3 hours and didn't respond to any of the usual things that help my migraines. Oh, side note---since taking Nardil I've only had a handful or less of migraines. I used to get them at least once a month, and usually two or three in a row when I got them. I don't know why it helps those, but it's definitely a bonus. The other time I had a similar headache I had eaten cheesecake that had Tia Maria in it. I didn't know that liquor was included. I had very carefully vetted everything else I ate, so I'm pretty certain that was it.
The diet has been fine to adapt to. I sometimes feel "high-maintenance" when I eat out, but I'm used to it now.
Can't think of anything else at the moment....
namaste
gg
Posted by Jedi on March 3, 2007, at 2:36:30
In reply to Re: Nardil experiences, posted by gardenergirl on March 2, 2007, at 21:44:27
Hi,
When Nardil brought me out of my first major atypical depression, it was like being struck by lightning. It took weeks to kick in, but when it did, it just slammed the depression. I have taken no other medication that has worked like this. I went from being totally hopeless to just the opposite in a period of a couple of days. Since it is widely believed that atypical depression lies somewhere on the bipolar spectrum, it was not a surprise that I had a degree of hypomania with Nardil. To be honest, it felt really good after being depressed for so long. The hypomania didn't last very long, but it is something to look out for.I have recently withdrawn from Nardil for the forth time in the past ten years. The three other times caused a return of my atypical depression. However, I am one of the people that Nardil causes severe carbohydrate cravings. This has caused huge weight gain over the years, that will eventually affect my physical health. My MD won't prescribe a stimulant with the Nardil so I am trying Parnate again(didn't work six years ago), to see if I can level the playing field to lose some weight. If the atypical depression returns again, back on Nardil.
In my opinion, for treatment resistant atypical depression, the powerhouse MAOIs(Nardil & Parnate)are terribly underutilized. The diet restrictions are completely overblown. Hypertensive episodes resulting in stroke or death are almost unheard of. I feel sorry for the people in the UK, where such powerful tools against treatment resistant depression are rarely used. At least in the US, you can get on the phone and find someone who will prescribe them.
Just my two cents worth.
Jedi
Posted by UGottaHaveHope on March 3, 2007, at 11:24:32
In reply to Re: Nardil experiences, posted by Jedi on March 3, 2007, at 2:36:30
Jedi: Thank you so much for sharing your story. That's a bummer that Nardil caused you so much weight gain. Do you think it was specifically because the drug slowed down your metabolism? Or that you had the infamous carb cravings? Please let me know.
You know, there are a couple of people in here that take some sort of stimulant with MAOIs. Perhaps you could creat a post and make inquries. It may be even worth looking at taking some vitamins or nutrients that simulate a stimulant (I am clueless on all of that, but some on this board are experts).
Let me ask you this: Did you ever have any other noticeable side effects on the Nardil? And most importantly, did Nardil do anything to help your anxiety (which would be the primary reason for me to take it, generalized anxiety disorder)?
If I haven't told you already, I appreciate you always offering your insights. I have saved many of them. Thanks, Michael
Posted by UGottaHaveHope on March 3, 2007, at 11:30:21
In reply to Re: Nardil experiences, posted by gardenergirl on March 2, 2007, at 21:44:27
I have been studying a lot of your past posts in recent weeks, with my anticipation of switching from Emsam to Nardil. Most interested, I am wondering if you could email a copy of the MAOI card you carry with you when you eat out. I think that is a novel idea. I love it. Do you also wear a med bracelet?
Do you mind if I ask a few more things: How long have you been on Nardil? What mg are you taking? What other side effects have you had, if any? How about the notorious weight gain, how do you deal with that?
Thanks for sharing your experiences. If possible send me a copy of your out-to-eat card at [email protected]
Thanks, Michael
Posted by UGottaHaveHope on March 3, 2007, at 11:46:13
In reply to Re: Nardil experiences - Stargazer, posted by stargazer on March 2, 2007, at 20:57:20
SG:
For whatever reasons, I feel closer to you than anyone else on this board in our experiences. You have a gift of explaininig everything in laymen's terms, and do a wonderful job in sharing your past challenges, in such nuturing and caring words.I saw your post above where you documented all the meds you have been over the past two decades. One could look at all of that as a series of failures, but I look at it as a credit to your amazing bravery, willing to try new meds that might help. Even thought many of them didn't, you tried. I really think that is half of the battle here, having the guts and confidence to try new things. There are people on drugs that make them feel they can barely get by each day, and many of them (like me a lot of times) are scared to try other drugs that could put them in remission. Or feel worse. You never know until you try, though, thats a fact.
I think the pdoc did the right thing by trying you with Emsam first. If it works, at the lowest dose, then you don't have to worry about many of the restrictions. You can always switch over to Nardil and, according to my pdoc, who is supposed to be one of the top in the USA, you can switch from Emsam to Nardil with zero washout period.
I agree with you: Emsam is not a bad drug. In fact, on a scale of 1-10, I feel anywhere from a 4-6 on each day, which makes life bearable. Now that I am calmed down somewhat from all the anxiety, maybe I could learn some of th CBT stuff to add a point, you know feel like 5-7 or such.
However, I am hell-bent on trying Nardil because of the positive things I have read on here and other boards for anxiety. Maybe it wont work, or maybe it will be a miracle. I dont know. But I do know that I will never know unless I try it. And if it fails miserably, I can always go back to Emsam, which again is decent.
I've just got to gain confidence. I get so much fear when switching meds, especially when you read about the restrictions. I gained all that fear from reading the boards. My pdoc is actually like yours, didnt make a big deal at all about the the side effects.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Michael
Posted by gardenergirl on March 3, 2007, at 12:57:48
In reply to Re: Nardil experiences/card - Gardenergirl » gardenergirl, posted by UGottaHaveHope on March 3, 2007, at 11:30:21
> I have been studying a lot of your past posts in recent weeks, with my anticipation of switching from Emsam to Nardil. Most interested, I am wondering if you could email a copy of the MAOI card you carry with you when you eat out. I think that is a novel idea. I love it. Do you also wear a med bracelet?
I'll send that out to you. It's based on my own experiences with the restrictions and eating, so you may want to modify it for yourself. I print them out on business cards, which reminds me I think I'm down to one card left. Sometimes the wait staff keep it, so I like to carry a few. I do wear a medical bracelet. It's funny, I just bought a watch charm to add to it to jazz it up a bit. It gives my name, says "Takes MAOI/No Demerol (probably not all that important to put on, but hey..)/See back". On the back it says, "Warning: Food and drug interactions/Anesthesia cautions/Hypertensive crisis risk". Fortunately, I've never needed the bracelet, but I always wear it when I travel, and usually everyday, though sometimes it gets on my nerves (sensitive skin) and I take it off for awhile.
>
> Do you mind if I ask a few more things: How long have you been on Nardil? What mg are you taking? What other side effects have you had, if any? How about the notorious weight gain, how do you deal with that?I started Nardil about 3 and a half years ago. I currently take 60mg. I've gone as high as 75 mg, but I couldn't tolerate that. I had akathisia and terrible insomnia at that dose. I'm highly sensitive in a number of domains, and meds is one of them. 67.5 mg (4.5 tablets) was okay, but 60 seems best for me. I've tried going back down to 45 mg, but I usually got more depressed.
I've had a lot of side effects, but they've pretty much been tolerable. It kind of surprises me now to see them all listed out, because it doesn't feel like it's a problematic med.
Hyperreflexia
Early awakening (resolved with Ambien)
Peripheral edema (at 60 mg and higher and worse when taking NSAIDs)
Weight gain (45 lbs, though down 10# from peak)
Myoclonic jerks (resolved, return with dose decrease)
Mild urinary retention at 60mg and higher
Anorgasmia (returns with dose increases, resolves after about 4 mos.)
Excessive sweating--this one will probably bug me a lot more as the weather gets warmer again. I really really really hate sweating. And with Lithium in the mix now, I'll probably have to be careful about fluids.
Akathisia and insomnia at 75 mgWeight gain...well, it's always been countered by the benefits of the med in treating my depression. It is depressing, though, to keep buying bigger sizes in clothes and not fitting into your favorite things. In my case, it also means the selection in my size is pretty sparse at times, which makes me mad. Fat girls like to look stylish and pretty too, ya know? I've dealt with it as best I can by focusing on what's positive, taking Provigil and chromium picolinate, and before I injured my shoulder and knee doing yoga. What I really need to do is to get the sweets out of my house, but that's been difficult. I feel deprived if I don't have any here, but I often binge at night---something about that last dose of Nardil at about 10:00 p.m. seems to trigger an urge for carbs. So I think behavioral stuff could help me, though I haven't had the energy or motivation to put into it til now.
It really does feel good to not be depressed, btw. I'm so grateful for that.
>
> Thanks for sharing your experiences. If possible send me a copy of your out-to-eat card at [email protected]
>
> Thanks, MichaelLet me know if you have any problems with the email.
namaste
gg
Posted by Jedi on March 3, 2007, at 13:50:54
In reply to Re: Nardil experiences - Jedi » Jedi, posted by UGottaHaveHope on March 3, 2007, at 11:24:32
>Do you think it was specifically because the drug slowed down your metabolism? Or that you had the infamous carb cravings?
I believe it is a combination of many things. I know for a fact that Nardil causes cravings for sweet carbohydrates. Ironically, atypical depression can also cause these cravings. The gold standard for fighting treatment resistant atypical depression causes many of the same side effects as the disease itself. As far as a slowed metabolism, I don't know. Two hours of strenuous exercise daily was the only thing that could control my weight on Nardil.
> You know, there are a couple of people in here that take some sort of stimulant with MAOIs.
I am from a small town with very limited choices for help with mental health. The last PDOC I had treated me for nine months with me begging to go back on Nardil to stop the pain. No way. Finally I had to use my emergency stash of Nardil and go find a MD who would prescribe it. My current doc is apprehensive about the MAOIs and will not prescribe any type of stimulant with them, even modafinil.
This is why I am trying Parnate again. I tapered from 90mg of Nardil in a couple of weeks. Washed out for a week, and am now titrating up on the Parnate. I'm trying to do this fast enough so that the major depression does not have a chance to return. So far, so good.> Let me ask you this: Did you ever have any other noticeable side effects on the Nardil?
The other side effects I've had include insomnia, daytime somnolence, and delayed ejaculation. I had a short period of orthostatic hypotension when I first started Nardil about 10 years ago. I've also had a short period of hypomania. None of the side effects are as bad as lying in a fetal position on the floor, wondering how to possibly get through the next five minutes of life.
>And most importantly, did Nardil do anything to help your anxiety (which would be the primary reason for me to take it, generalized anxiety disorder)?
Nardil, augmented with clonazepam, has almost completely eliminated my social and generalized anxiety. My hands used to sweat profusely and there were times that I could not even bring myself to get out of bed, much less leave the house. I am hoping that the Parnate combined with a higher dose of clonazepam(2mg) will keep the anxiety from returning.
Fight a Good Fight,
Jedi
Posted by stargazer on March 3, 2007, at 20:05:38
In reply to Re: Heck-bent to try Nardil - Stargazer » stargazer, posted by UGottaHaveHope on March 3, 2007, at 11:46:13
Michael,
Thanks for your kind words about my bravery and such. I am compulsive about certain things and writing down dates, side effects and outcomes has been something I have felt compelled to do over the years and I'm glad I did.
Well I have the same fears with starting a new drug as you, but there isn't a whole lot of other choices I had. Occasionally I would say to my pdoc, No more drugs, I want to stop everything for awhile. That made sense to do because to be off everything was often a relief from the side effects that seem to always really do me in. My feeling is that bad side effects to the extent that I had them was a clear sign that drug was not the right one.
Like you said, if Nardil doesn't work, Emsam is doing something and I agree it is not a bad drug. It does something and I really don't have any side effects.
Wouldn't it be something if you tried Nardil and got an amazing response like so many others here? The whole motivating force driving me today is reducing time spent on marginal responses if something like Nardil will give me my life back. I don't know about you, but I have wasted so much time with bad outcomes, I am desparate to find something that will work better than all the crappy SSRI's that left me with lots of SE's and no real remission of the depression.
I realize time left to enjoy my life is slipping away and I have nothing to lose now. I'm not working now and that makes a big difference in not being afraid of getting worse during a drug trial, which was always a problem. So timing can be critical and like I always say, I'm right behind you on this one...
Between GG, Ace and a few others, reading their experiences with Nardil is very encouraging for me. I get jealous of how good they are feeling. I am developing a lot of anger towards my doctor as I am finding that all the drugs he kept trying me on were all the wrong ones for me because they all targeted Serotonin, which in retrospect, never worked and always caused lots of side effects.
Hey, be not afraid...there is a whole big world out there just waiting for you. Time to jump in and test the waters...SG
P.S. Thanks for your email for a more personal conversation anytime.
Posted by Phillipa on March 3, 2007, at 20:57:24
In reply to Re: Heck-bent to try Nardil/Ugotta Michael, posted by stargazer on March 3, 2007, at 20:05:38
Good point now to find that pdoc who will prescribe it after correcting the thyroid. love Phillipa
Posted by tepiaca on March 4, 2007, at 2:23:28
In reply to What does it feel like to be on Nardil?, posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 1, 2007, at 9:54:48
> I am sort of overwhelmed by all the diet and medicine restrictions. Then there are side effects, which I guess come with all meds, including non-MOAIs. I am about to start Nardil for GAD (anxiety) and depression. Can anyone share their experiences on starting the med? Was it pleasant? I just need some confidence to get this going. Thanks Michael
Well I just can said I felt very good since the beggining . It made me thought I was cure.
In fact is the only med on the market that helps me with fear and suicide thougths in some way
Side effects only hypotension aat the first days
and also insomnia when I passed the 45mgGLuck
tep
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 4, 2007, at 12:07:56
In reply to Re: Nardil experiences/card - Gardenergirl, posted by gardenergirl on March 3, 2007, at 12:57:48
> > I often binge at night---something about that last dose of Nardil at about 10:00 p.m. seems to trigger an urge for carbs. So I think behavioral stuff could help me, though I haven't had the energy or motivation to put into it til now.
>Thanks for sharing, GG. Two questions:
1. Do you think taking that last dose of Nardil earlier in the day would help with the carb cravings? Or would it affect how Nardil helps you?
2. And I forgot to ask you this: Since I will be taking Nardil for anxiety-induced depression, has Nardil helped you with anxiety? Thanks, Michael
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 4, 2007, at 12:13:09
In reply to Nardil experiences » UGottaHaveHope, posted by Jedi on March 3, 2007, at 13:50:54
> >Do you think it was specifically because the drug slowed down your metabolism? Or that you had the infamous carb cravings?
>
> I believe it is a combination of many things. I know for a fact that Nardil causes cravings for sweet carbohydrates. Ironically, atypical depression can also cause these cravings. The gold standard for fighting treatment resistant atypical depression causes many of the same side effects as the disease itself. As far as a slowed metabolism, I don't know. Two hours of strenuous exercise daily was the only thing that could control my weight on Nardil.
>Jedi: Thanks for answering all my questions, and my prayers are with you on your switch from Nardil to Parnate. Let me ask you this: I know you said exercise was key in the weight battle with Nardil, but did you also monitor your diet? You know, try to eat as healthy as possible? I am interested to find out if that makes any difference. Thanks again, and I am saving your other email. That pumps me up! Michael
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 4, 2007, at 12:33:50
In reply to Re: Heck-bent to try Nardil/Ugotta Michael, posted by stargazer on March 3, 2007, at 20:05:38
SG: On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the best), how do you like feel like Emsam is working? I agree there are some good things about Emsam. For me, the only real side effects I've had are insomnia (addressed by taking Seroquel), constipation (I guess I need to start drinking more water and taking fiber drink), and maybe a little extra energy, which did not help my anxiety (I countered this by putting on a fresh patch at night, which in theory had the strongest release of Emsam going against Seroquel).
Based on your previous posts, I am keeping a diary on Emsam to help me remember how I feel. On a side note, that may be one of my biggest problems, when I feel bad I forget I ever felt decent (like now) and then when I feel decent I am always anticipating feeling not so good. Isn't that awful? That is such defeated thinking. Honestly, those are my two moods I switch back between: Having anxiety or feel decent but wondering when the anxiety is coming back? No highs and lows, or bipolar-like tendencies. Ten years of anxiety has made me this way. I have to have a long period of stability on a drug to trust it.
I have just finished my 8th week on Emsam. I am thinking about documenting one, maybe two, more weeks before switching over for a Nardil trial. How long have you been on Emsam? Did you notice any differences after week 8?
I am exactly like you: The stories of Ace, GG, Jedi, really inspire me. Hey, those meds might be the miracle pill I have been searching for, but they might make me worse. I'll never know unless I try, like you said.
It's just so important that I document Emsam the next 10 days or so because then I'll know for sure if I do have a bad reaction to Nardil, I can go back and have a manageable life with Emsam.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 4, 2007, at 12:35:12
In reply to Re: What does it feel like to be on Nardil? » UgottaHaveHope, posted by tepiaca on March 4, 2007, at 2:23:28
nm
Posted by stargazer on March 4, 2007, at 13:31:21
In reply to Re: Heck-bent to try Nardil/Ugotta Michael » stargazer, posted by Phillipa on March 3, 2007, at 20:57:24
I posted earlier to you but the posting never got sent through...I hate that, I can never say again what I did before.
Basically I asked you, are you contemplating trying Nardil then for your anxiety and have you ever tried a MAO?
SG
Posted by stargazer on March 4, 2007, at 14:00:08
In reply to Re: Before departing from Emsam ..., posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 4, 2007, at 12:33:50
Michael,
That's a tough call for Emsam effectiveness.
Maybe a 6 or 7...not bad but not great either. I still have a great deal of brain overload which is the inability to handle information processing in terms of priortization, managing multiple tasks, basically an inability of knowing how to think through and complete daily responsibilites without getting overfocused on unimportant things.
I don't really have any of extreme negativity or any associated sadness or hopelessness which I have on many other meds, esp the Serotonin meds.
I try and keep a diary of meds and mental status no matter what the response is but once it is stable, I probably only make notations one a month. Ironically when I tried Nardil I did not record much, which I wished I had, since it would have helped to go back to reread what I wrote then. All I wrote was the dose I was on and after it failed, I started to chart routinely on all of the meds I tried. I had no idea it would have been a diary of almost twenty years, some of which is so disturbing to go back and read. So many drug failure and horrible side effects especially when on Zoloft and Effexor, back to back, and one of the two, made me suicidal taking me to the brink of death.
That's why I'm so afraid of SSRI's now. I'd rather take a MAO, antipsychotic or anything else before those. My recent trial with Cymbalta lasted approx a week and a half with a worsening of my depression when I went from 30 to 60 mg, s saw the bad stuff again.
My Emsam trial is so much better and my side effects are dizziness with some mood instability. The only other med I'm considering is Provigil with Emsam before calling it quits.
I don't know what it is but there's got to be something to the responses I get with MAO's, I also had a fairly good response on Celexa, Wellbutrin and Adderall.
It makes me crazy that my pdoc is not able to tell from all my responses over the years what should work for me. Am I expecting too much from someone whose trainng and education gives them the ability to figure this stuff out. Is there no real formula or criteria by which an AD is chosen? If not, is it just an experiment and I am the rat? That's how I feel!
Stargazer
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 4, 2007, at 16:44:52
In reply to Emsam effectiveness...may try Provigil next/Ugotta, posted by stargazer on March 4, 2007, at 14:00:08
SG: Emsam is my first MAOI experience, and it has been a positive one. The first nine years, all I took was SSRIs and benzos. The benzos helped (and still do), while the SSRIs made me either feel nothing or worse.
So you feel 6 or 7? Man, that's actually pretty good in my book. I'll take it. And perhaps if you can do some CBT and mental exercises, you would likely add a point or two.
But I know where you are coming from. The same exact place as me: In my opinion, life is bearable and OK on Emsam, but there is the possibility that Nardil may give you a 8 or 9. Then again it may give you a 2-3. But you never know until you try. And since you had a positive experience on Nardil in the past, you are likely to have one again.
I think a lot of people, including myself, can relate to you about the pdocs. To me, it seems like they have one person have great success on one drug, then they think that one drug works for everyone. But everyone is different.
They are scared of the old meds because they dont know about them, dont care to take the time to know about them with all the new meds, and hear about all the restrictions.
Ive been going through this anxiety thing for almost 10 years, and only now in the last 8 months found a doc that would even openly talk about MOAIs. Perhaps you may have to do some calling around to see if the pdocs prescribe MAOI, go to a big town or find a university with some old pdocs who prescribe old school.
If you remember your Q: [email protected]
Posted by Jedi on March 4, 2007, at 18:30:39
In reply to Re: Exercise or diet vs. Nardil » Jedi, posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 4, 2007, at 12:13:09
>
> Jedi: Thanks for answering all my questions, and my prayers are with you on your switch from Nardil to Parnate. Let me ask you this: I know you said exercise was key in the weight battle with Nardil, but did you also monitor your diet? You know, try to eat as healthy as possible? I am interested to find out if that makes any difference. Thanks again, and I am saving your other email. That pumps me up! Michael
Hi Michael,
Not everybody gains weight on Nardil. If you have the willpower to get by the carbohydrate cravings, of course it will help. One of the symptoms of atypical depression is the binge eating. There is something about Nardil, I haven't figured out what, that lets your body binge without immediately feeling the negative consequences. While on Nardil, I can eat so far past being full it is almost ridiculous. But that's me, not everybody. If you think a medication will help, don't pass on it because of somebody elses side effects.I think the main thing about exersise is not the calories you burn during the activity. It is an overall increase in your metabolism plus just a feeling of well being. When I am seriously depressed I can not force myself to work out, even though I know it will make me feel better.
Let me reiterate. I believe that Nardil, augmented with clonazepam, is one of the best combinations for anxiety.
Good Luck and thanks for your positive comments. It is nice to hear that some of my experiences may help someone else in a small way.
Take care,
Jedi
Posted by bulldog2 on March 4, 2007, at 19:38:59
In reply to Re: Exercise or diet vs. Nardil, posted by Jedi on March 4, 2007, at 18:30:39
I'm thinking nardil must affect histamine in some way similar to an antihistamine such as benadryl which gives me a carb craving.
Posted by stargazer on March 4, 2007, at 19:58:22
In reply to Re: Emsam is my first MAOI » stargazer, posted by UgottaHaveHope on March 4, 2007, at 16:44:52
My pdoc will prescribe MAO's but for some reason, like so many other conventional pdocs, he avoided them after I failed Parnate back in the early 90's. This was when Prozac was first available and that was the only drug everyone was trying, so that is what I was put on.
Recently, when I suggested trying Nardil again, my pdoc's response was to try Emsam first.
I'm sure if I pushed for Nardil he would go along with it but it's too bad the pdocs can't be the ones that know more than the patients and come up with the suggestion, rather than the other way around.
It was my suggestion to retry Marplan last year since it had be rereleased many years after Roche discontinued it back in the early 90's. Unfortunately this retrial was in combination with Lamictal which I had already been on so my pdoc was afraid to stop the Lamictal and just have me on Marplan. It didn't work anyway, but I thought later I wish I had been on it without the effect of Lamictal.
I guess I have been on most of the MAO's, Nardil, Marplan, Parnate and Emsam. Parnate is the only one I have had no response to at all, the others I have had good to excellent responses. Isn't that enough of a track record to have had my pdoc retry me automatically on them, I don't get the hesitency. Like I've said before, the pdoc that originally tried me on Nardil was right on the money. No reluctance on her part. Unfortunately she moved to teach at Dartmouth a few months after I first saw her. Too bad all the smart ones ones are recruited to better places to teach.
SG
This is the end of the thread.
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