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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by eric wagner on August 16, 2008, at 7:53:37
I've been on Tranylcypromine Sulfate for almost 7 weeks now:
4 days on 10 mgs.
5 days on 20 mgs.
6 days on 30 mgs.
10 days on 40 mgs.
7 days on 50 mgs.
16 days on 60 mgs.Side effects began at 60 mgs. including: dizzyness, lightheadedness (sometimes need to kneel/sit to not pass out while upright/walking), occasional hissing sound in head (starts light then louder - lasts for about 20 secs.), headache, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, etc.
Still have not felt any mood lifting/brightening or other positive effect.I've been on many meds. of all classes in the past for depression/ADHD w/ no response whatsoever, w/ the exception of Methylphenidate for a short time before tolerance built up.
Has anyone had any similar experiences w/ side effects, & possible thought of whether these side effects are a positive sign that the medication may begin to help soon?
Also is 60 mgs. too low from your experience (I've read many higher doses for some people - especially considering my high tolerance & 230 lb. body)?
Thank You For Your Time & Consideration,
Take Care & Be Well,
Eric M. Wagner
Posted by Nadezda on August 16, 2008, at 10:25:11
In reply to 7 Weeks On Parnate - Help, posted by eric wagner on August 16, 2008, at 7:53:37
Hi Eric. Sounds as if your blood pressure is low. Have you been taking it regularly?
The side effects could be temporary, and it could take more time for the positive effects to manifest.
I'm not sure that side effects correlate with positive effects. You've been on 40 mg or more for about four and a half weeks, and 60 mg for about two-- so I'd give it more time. You've given it a bit of time, but not enough to be sure how you'll respond.
It's possible you'd need a larger dose to respond, but some pdocs dont' like to go above 60 mgs and others are willing to experiment with higher doses. 40- 60 mg, as you know, is the commonly accepted therapeutic dose range. There are people here who've done more, but I suspect that's pretty uncommon, especially if your pdoc is less than very comfortable with maois.
Have you spoken with your pdoc about his approach to dosage?
Nadezda
Posted by Justherself54 on August 16, 2008, at 14:48:18
In reply to Re: 7 Weeks On Parnate - Help, posted by Nadezda on August 16, 2008, at 10:25:11
I'm at 50 mg..for over a week and didn't think there was much change..however, I listened to music for the first time in a long time and actually went and visited a friend (I'm a self-isolator) and also phoned a couple of friends. So sometimes it helps to watch for the little subtle signs that it could be starting to work. The MAOI's seem to take longer to take effect, however, I had a much more robust effect to Parnate in the past, so I am worried it's only going to give me a partial response.
I've had some low blood pressure and dizziness if I get up too quickly and some really bad muscle clenching at night (not good for my fibromyalgia).
I'm still hanging on to hope that with the recent increase it will get better.
Posted by Zeba on August 17, 2008, at 0:17:26
In reply to 7 Weeks On Parnate - Help, posted by eric wagner on August 16, 2008, at 7:53:37
I am curious as to why you went up on the dosage so quickly? I started out with a few days on 10 mg., and then 20 mg., and then 30 mg. Stayed at that dosage for at least a month before going up to 40 mg. It takes time for it to kick in, and so I don't understand the rapid increase to that high a dose. Could you explain.
Zeba
Posted by UGottaHaveHOPE on August 17, 2008, at 2:26:39
In reply to 7 Weeks On Parnate - Help, posted by eric wagner on August 16, 2008, at 7:53:37
Eric:
Ive only been on Nardil, but Ive heard all MAOIs have side effects when going through the beginning phases. Even more importantly (and good for you), many on here will tell you that the side effects are indication that Parnate is working in you, although not how you want ... yet.
It took Nardil 10-11 weeks for it really to kick in from me. I know thats probably what you did not want to hear. But I would consider giving it another month so you can say you gave it a FULL trial.
Also, there are many ppl (SLS being one of them) who combine MAOIs with other drugs (Nortrip) to come up with successful combinations. So you've got plenty of options left.
Hang in there, please, and keep posting.
Posted by eric wagner on August 17, 2008, at 4:31:53
In reply to Re: 7 Weeks On Parnate - Help, posted by Nadezda on August 16, 2008, at 10:25:11
> Hi Eric. Sounds as if your blood pressure is low. Have you been taking it regularly?
>
> The side effects could be temporary, and it could take more time for the positive effects to manifest.
>
> I'm not sure that side effects correlate with positive effects. You've been on 40 mg or more for about four and a half weeks, and 60 mg for about two-- so I'd give it more time. You've given it a bit of time, but not enough to be sure how you'll respond.
>
> It's possible you'd need a larger dose to respond, but some pdocs dont' like to go above 60 mgs and others are willing to experiment with higher doses. 40- 60 mg, as you know, is the commonly accepted therapeutic dose range. There are people here who've done more, but I suspect that's pretty uncommon, especially if your pdoc is less than very comfortable with maois.
>
> Have you spoken with your pdoc about his approach to dosage?
>
> NadezdaHi Nadezda,
Thanks for reply
As a matter of fact, I've been meaning to check my Blood Pressure lately, but dont have a monitor.
I'll have my Mother bring over my Grandma's monitor today to check it out.
I figured I just had to watch for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension?) only if I was to mix a contraindicated prescription, over the counter medication, or food - even though I'm not too sure how that would feel either.
I have spoken to my Psychiatrist about dosage - I had brought up that I read about many people taking from 100 - 200 mgs. Parnate w/ high positive results.
I had brought that up as I have a high tolerance for all medications - & out of all the one's I've tried - I've never had side effects of therapeutic benefit from any w/ the exception of Daytrana.
He does not have that much experience w/ MAOI's - just as you suspected.
Thank You For Your Time & Consideration,
Take Care & Be Well,
Eric M. Wagner
Posted by eric wagner on August 17, 2008, at 4:44:44
In reply to Re: 7 Weeks On Parnate - Help, posted by Justherself54 on August 16, 2008, at 14:48:18
> I'm at 50 mg..for over a week and didn't think there was much change..however, I listened to music for the first time in a long time and actually went and visited a friend (I'm a self-isolator) and also phoned a couple of friends. So sometimes it helps to watch for the little subtle signs that it could be starting to work. The MAOI's seem to take longer to take effect, however, I had a much more robust effect to Parnate in the past, so I am worried it's only going to give me a partial response.
>
> I've had some low blood pressure and dizziness if I get up too quickly and some really bad muscle clenching at night (not good for my fibromyalgia).
>
> I'm still hanging on to hope that with the recent increase it will get better.Justherself54,
Thanks for reply.
I too had no difference at 50 mgs. for a week, but the side effects began, I believe, as I hit 60 mgs.
I know what you mean about the small changes to watch out for, I remember when those small changes happened to me - I'm also a self-isolator - and got better while I was on Daytrana.
Now I just keep my fingers crossed the Parnate will help.
When you say you had a robust effect to Parnate the first time, what differences did you feel?
I hope we both do well on Parnate.
Thank You For Your Time & Consideration,
Take Care & Be Well,
Eric M. Wagner
Posted by eric wagner on August 17, 2008, at 4:51:41
In reply to Re: 7 Weeks On Parnate - Help » eric wagner, posted by Zeba on August 17, 2008, at 0:17:26
> I am curious as to why you went up on the dosage so quickly? I started out with a few days on 10 mg., and then 20 mg., and then 30 mg. Stayed at that dosage for at least a month before going up to 40 mg. It takes time for it to kick in, and so I don't understand the rapid increase to that high a dose. Could you explain.
>
> ZebaZeba,
Thanks for reply.
I have a high tolerance to all medications & usually do not respond whatsoever.
My Psychiatrist first stated if I can tolerate 30 mgs. for a couple days I could go to 40 mgs.. Then up to 50 & 60 mgs. / day.
I read many posts of personal experiences & medical journals on Parnate where many people respond at doses around 80 or even higher.
There is an article I had read where MAOI non-responders took doses as high as 200 mgs. & responded well.
Although my Psychiatrist stated he believes Parnate response has more to do with a full trial (3 months?) than it does with dosage over the trial.
Good Luck.
Thank You For Your Time & Consideration,
Take Care & Be Well,
Eric M. Wagner
Posted by eric wagner on August 17, 2008, at 4:57:40
In reply to Re: 7 Weeks On Parnate, but wait til 10-11 weeks » eric wagner, posted by UGottaHaveHOPE on August 17, 2008, at 2:26:39
> Eric:
>
> Ive only been on Nardil, but Ive heard all MAOIs have side effects when going through the beginning phases. Even more importantly (and good for you), many on here will tell you that the side effects are indication that Parnate is working in you, although not how you want ... yet.
>
> It took Nardil 10-11 weeks for it really to kick in from me. I know thats probably what you did not want to hear. But I would consider giving it another month so you can say you gave it a FULL trial.
>
> Also, there are many ppl (SLS being one of them) who combine MAOIs with other drugs (Nortrip) to come up with successful combinations. So you've got plenty of options left.
>
> Hang in there, please, and keep posting.UGottaHaveHOPE,
Thanks for reply.
Actually, I'd be more than happy to wait until around week 11 for positive results.
At least that still gives me hope - the fact that many people say side effects = it may work & the fact that it can take as much as 11 weeks to begin helping.
Do you know if SLS had any response prior to adding Nortriptyline & how they are doing now with the combination?
I will hang in there (I'm in it for the long haul - as I'm running out of options) & keep posting - hopefully a positive one soon.
Thank You For Your Time & Consideration,
Take Care & Be Well,
Eric M. Wagner
Posted by Jeroen on August 17, 2008, at 10:13:36
In reply to 7 Weeks On Parnate - Help, posted by eric wagner on August 16, 2008, at 7:53:37
sounds like my experience on geodon
total hell
but its not normal that passing out side effect
Posted by Justherself54 on August 17, 2008, at 23:09:30
In reply to Re: 7 Weeks On Parnate - Help, posted by eric wagner on August 17, 2008, at 4:44:44
The first time I responded quickly...felt a hugh relief from depression and was able to concentrate and multi-task again..however, at 20 mg. my blood pressure was so low I was having to go down on my hands and knees with alarming regularity! This time I'm up to 50 mg. with only slight dizziness if I jump up too quickly.
I have to say now that I've been at 50 mg for a few days, I'm not wanting to be alone so much..however, my motivation is still pretty low, but I'm thinking of doing more things. It doesn't sound like much...but I'm hoping the next step will be doing them, not just thinking about it.
I'm still feeling nowhere near where I'd like to be..and will discuss another increase with my pdoc soon, but I'd like to give this dose another couple of weeks.
I hope both of us are just having a rocky start with our Parnate trials and it's just a bump in the road.
Posted by UGottaHaveHOPE on August 18, 2008, at 2:52:51
In reply to Re: 7 Weeks On Parnate, but wait til 10-11 weeks, posted by eric wagner on August 17, 2008, at 4:57:40
Yes I agree with you. I would rather give any med a FULL trial (i.e. Nardil with 10-11 weeks), than go so close and stop at say 7-8 weeks. That way, if you do the FULL trail and the med does not work, then you can rule it out forever. Well, maybe not. You would rule out Parnate with any meds you are currently taking. But like we discussed before, you could mix it with other drugs and have a different reaction.
That's the good and bad news. The bad news is that for some (and hopefully not for you in this case) is that it might take several combinations to hit the correct one. But that's also the GREAT news and reason TO NEVER GIVE UP HOPE. There are far too many combinations to try. Just do a search for "Parnate experiences" on Dr. Bob and you can learn so much about other ppl's experiences.
And yes, if I were you, I would very happy about the side effects. That is evidence that Parnate is doing something in your body. I've taken so many SSRI's that never did anything. So I think any reaction, well not any reaction, but any reaction after taking a MAOI since it's well-documented that they have all those side effects you mentioned ... is good news. Most if not all of them go away over time.
Put up a post for SLS, and he will answer your questions. Check out this website too. You can email this pdoc:
Posted by eric wagner on August 26, 2008, at 14:56:21
In reply to Wait 10-11 weeks » eric wagner, posted by UGottaHaveHOPE on August 18, 2008, at 2:52:51
I've been on Parnate about 9 weeks now - about 30 of which has been at 60 mgs. - w/ no positive response.
Has anyone taken Parnate & not responded until after or around 9 weeks?
Thanks
Take Care & Be Well,
Eric M. Wagner
This is the end of the thread.
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