Posted by Sparkboy on November 15, 2001, at 15:29:51
In reply to MAOI for Atypical other than Parnate, posted by sjb on November 14, 2001, at 14:32:16
> Has anyone had a good experience with a MAOI for atypical depression other than Parnate? I tried Parnate and it increased my appetite. I call it "Parn-ate-a-lot". Please advise. Never tried any other ADs in the MAOI category 'cause was scared away by this one along with some other not insigificant side effects like dulled reaction time as I mentioned before. Feel like I need impatient somewhere - can't cope with the littliest of life stuff, work, marriage, social, etc. Don't want to be cooped up, however. Not on anything right now for more than week - want to die so bad.
Hi, I have atypical depression too. Parnate worked perfectly for me, but quit after 3 months. That was many years ago. If you really have atypical depression, then you probably need an MAOI. Do be put off by your experience with Parnate; it is the most potent of the lot. I have tried all of them (US). Marplan is almost as stimulating; Nardil was mellower, but neither gave me the true AD effect I got with Parnate.
After many years of trials, I ended up on moclobemide, which I get by mail from Canada. It prevents the oversleeping and seasonal variations, though I get no true AD effect.
Anxiety is a very strong component of atypical depression. I get moderate anxiety control from a low dose of Neurontin (600 mg/day). For sleep, I take Ambien 2-3 nights a week.
Going inpatient might be just what you need. Find a teaching hospital at a university--they are generally up on the latest things and aren't afraid to medicate with an MAOI. I wasted years trying re-uptake inhibitors when what I really needed was an MAOI. Tricyclics, SSRIs, etc. are useless to me.
Anxiety is a terrible trap; you get so boxed in you can't even think. Give the inpatient thing serious consideration. You'll get all kinds of tests you might not on the outside.
Good luck.
--John
poster:Sparkboy
thread:83164
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84345.html