Posted by Annie on July 3, 1999, at 21:54:00
In reply to Re: Nardil Follow-up to Annie + Selegiline ?'s, posted by Judy on July 3, 1999, at 11:58:23
Judy,
Sorry the Nardil treatment crapped out. (couldn't resist) The selegiline patch is only available in research studies right now. Using a 30mg selegiline transdermal patch, the MAOI diet is not necessary. I think taken orally, the diet would be needed at that dose. Marplan is, I think, the better choice until the patch is available by prescription. The side effects the first few weeks were minimal and even when they kicked in at week 6, they are not intolerable. I had gained lots of weight on prior meds but I am finding it possible to lose some on selegiline. The sexual interest is there but it is more difficult to achieve orgasm. Not as bad as some ADs, but still a problem, alas. Yes there are some 'excretory system problems', but they are manageable. You won't need as many bales of alfalfa! And I don't get that bloated swollen feeling with Selegiline. There is some urinary frequency, but that seems to be improving.
I am hopeful of more improvement but when the study is over, Marplan is also my choice. I think I would have to go higher than 30mg of selegiline anyway and the research pdoc said that the MAOI diet would probably be necessary at any higher dose.
Good luck with the Marplan. Did you have any problem finding a pharmacy that could get it? Keep us posted with your progress. Annie
> Annie,
>
> Wanted to let you know that after five weeks on Nardil and two bales of Alfafa later, I had to take your advice and throw in the towel on Nardil before my innards *blew*! It wouldn't have been a pretty sight!
>
> I'll finish my washout this coming Friday and start Marplan. I have a feeling it will turn out to be Nardil with just a different name; but I'll try anything in the hopes of hitting paydirt with some med or another.
>
> My questions about Selegiline: I took it (Eldepryl) and found that, like you, I didn't see any benefits for the first 5 - 6 weeks. Many weeks later, I still was not achieving the relief I sought and gave up on it. Maybe I should have requested an increased dose (was only taking 15 mg per day orally)?
>
> At 30 mg, do you have to follow the MAOI diet since Selegiline is a Type B? How's your weight? Sex? Excretory system problems? Do you still feel you're heading towards more relief, slowly but surely?
>
> Should Marplan turn out to be another lemon, I might try revisiting Selegiline at higher doses. What's the diff between the patch and the pills?
>
> Thanks for any info you can give me, and also thanks for laughing with me about my Nardil side-effects a couple of weeks ago. Made me feel a little better to find a fellow ex-sufferer who could also see the humor in that nasty situation!
>
> Judy
> -----------------------
>
> >David, in the double blind study, I also had little relief. I then went into the study using a 30mg
> >selegiline patch. The hype says relief in a week or so. After a month I still felt no improvement but
> >stuck it out. Between week 5 and 6 I started to notice more energy. I am now on week 9. My
> >cognitive abilities are now improving and my ability to handle stress. My mood and abilty to enjoy life
> >do not seem improved, but the suicidal thoughts are gone. I have tried most ADs and combos in the
> >last 6 years with little lasting improvement. I feel a little stronger all the time and am cautiously
> >hopeful.
poster:Annie
thread:5905
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991001/msgs/8234.html