Posted by Judy on July 30, 1999, at 10:45:30
In reply to Re: Marplan doseage, posted by Robin on July 30, 1999, at 9:26:19
Robin,
It's WAY to early for either of us to make a decision about Marplan and we might not even be at our most beneficial dosages yes. Some of what we're feeling right now - my headaches, your dizziness - may be *early* side effects that will disappear in time (maybe tomorrow, maybe in a month...). If you feel a lessening of your depression, consider that a very good sign! You can work on the side effects along the way - perhaps dosage changes or supplementing with other meds.
It seems all MAOI's have some common, very prominent side effects. From my *vast* experience with Nardil, I can tell you that the disturbed sleep stage lasts quite a while, but I was able to live with it by taking .50 to 1 mg of Xanax before going to bed. After several months, I didn't need the Xanax anymore and slept well.
Since Marplan and Nardil are similar in chemical make-up, I can already tell that we are probably dealng with a weight-gain side effect, which never dissipated for me on Nardil. The only advice I can give you there is TRY and TRY AGAIN not to indulge your cravings!!! I know so well that eating becomes almost a 'religious experience' when taking an MAOI and snacking on frozen grapes just doesn't cut it when all you can think about is a hot fudge sundae with a dozen brownies for dessert! It's a demon you have to fight continuously or it will snowball out of control, trust me on this.
I did try Parnate once for a very brief period. For me it was much too enervating - like living in a constant anxiety attack. I think Parnate's amphetimine-like attributes might help avoid the weight gain, but I can't imagine ever getting a night's sleep while taking it. But that's me...
Try to be patient with the Marplan for a while longer, stay in touch with your doctor about what you're feeling AND watch out for those sweets/carbo cravings (suck on ice chips to numb your taste buds and clean out a drawer or something!).
Judy
> Judy, I don't know what to think of Marplan. 2 weeks on 20mgs. I can't sleep and I am dizzy at times. Did you experience this ? My big problem is Food, I can't stop eating. The positive thing is my depression has lifted a little. I have gained 5 pounds in 2 weeks.
>
> Have you tried Parnate?
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> Robin
poster:Judy
thread:9384
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990726/msgs/9389.html