Posted by Judy on May 3, 2000, at 21:37:39
In reply to Re: Parnate+Another Opinion, posted by Ant-Rock on May 3, 2000, at 7:36:37
Anthony
Thanks so much for that info. If you read my message to Adam, you'll see I've offered to be the guinea pig if he'll call the doctor you mentioned and talk the psychopharm-speak that I can't.
As for the differences between Nardil and Parnate, they are to me (YMMV of course) two completely different drugs. Nardil had many more side effects - edema, bigtime difficulty at urinating, constipation and out-of-control weight gain. Parnate doesn't cause any of those, although it has increased my appetite and cravings and I've gained weight because I keep cramming food, particularly chocolate, in my mouth!
Both drugs cause me restless sleep (I take Xanax at bedtime only so I can fall asleep. Both drugs cause almost immediate inorgasmia.
If you can deal with any or all of the above, I can't recommend Nardil highly enough for your anhedonia. It works quickly - within the first week I feel it kicking in; and upon reaching 45 mg/day, I felt better than I've ever felt in my life (mentally - physically it was awful enough to have to give it up). I felt great all the time. I couldn't wait to get up in the morning and accomplish something. Nothing bothered me. It was wonderful - that's why I can't let this Parnate/Selegiline thing go without looking into it.
Parnate is totally different for me. Once Nardil was in my system, I remained stable all the time. Parnate seems to let me know when it's time for my next dose. Reminds me of Xanax or Ritalin with a quick in/quick out effect. If I don't take my noon dose, I find myself becoming very tired and cranky - and as soon as I take the Parnate, I'm relatively normal again. But the anhedonia is always there - always. At least at 60 mg/day. What was your dose?
Again, I can't imagine Nardil not working for your anhedonia if your depression responded to Parnate. Like I said - there are a couple of concessions you might have to make - like having a waistline and a sexlife - but it might be worth a try. Some people don't have those side effects at all.
If I didn't touch on something, let me know; and thanks for your information.
Judy
poster:Judy
thread:31946
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000429/msgs/32162.html