Posted by Michael on January 15, 2000, at 22:22:37
In reply to Re: Parnate "properties" :), posted by Elizabeth on January 7, 2000, at 8:54:00
> > Sure. If I remember correctly, one of the difficultites you had with Parnate was recurrent spontaneous hypertensive crisis at a relatively low (but promisingly therapeutic) dose. I assume "cowboy psychopharmacology" might refer to creative, perhaps unorthodox, strategies to increase Parnate dosage while minimizing or eliminating ill effects. If the above is true and you are comfortable discussing, I would be interested in hearing what you are trying and how it is working.
>
> Aha. Okay. I'm still on Marplan right now, but considering returning to good ol' Parnate because of that insidious weight gain.
>
> One thing my therapist suggested when I mentioned this to him was to try adding verapamil or some other Ca++ antagonist to the Parnate to keep my BP stable.
>
> I'm ambivalent about switching -- like anybody, I don't relish the idea of ballooning like I did on Nardil, but at the same time, switching MAOIs is truly painful due to withdrawal symptoms and that pesky waiting period (I thought those were for handguns!). I can't decide whether it's worth the risk, especially since the spring semester begins in a couple weeks. (I *don't* want to have to go to the hospital right now!)My experience with MAOI is abrupt cessation is better than tapering unlike most AD. At least, this is true with Parnate. Otherwise, it's like cutting off your arm an inch at a time. Since you are getting ready to start a new semester, use of a stimulant such as ritalin can help you during the transition if your doctor recognizes that therapy. If not, as you probably know, Parnate is much faster acting than Nardil or Marplan.
poster:Michael
thread:17762
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000112/msgs/19022.html