Posted by Ray on January 25, 2002, at 14:05:20
In reply to Nardil (phenelzine) or Parnate MAOI experiences?, posted by 3 Beer Effect on January 24, 2002, at 23:49:39
Hi 3 Beer,
> I am thinking of trying either Nardil or Parnate for my major depression w/ social phobia & possible adhd or bipolar. I am confused as to exactly what the side effects of these two MAOIs are. I know you have to stick to a low tyramine diet.
One recent study suggests common etiology between between Social Phobia and Bipolar. AHDH is also common with SP. Parnate often prosexual at low dose. At high dose increased libido, may be some delayed orgasm but usually less than even low dose of some SSRI's. Nardil at high doses often causes some sexual side effects. However we are talking MAX DOSE Nardil, which say with Paxil likely could cause completel anogasmia. Even minimum dose Zoloft and Celexa gave me as much sexual side effects (or more with Celexa) than MAX DOSE Nardil. Unlike SSRI's sexual side effects, with Nardil these diminish in time, so is critical to allow up to 4 months for ALL side effects to disappear or lessen substantially. Insomnia more likely with Parnate, not usually problem with Nardil, just will sleep less hours maybe but enough. Elderpyl low dose prosexual. High dose maybe prosexual. I will switch to it likely in the near future after several years of Nardil, first 2 of 90mg Nardil and later about 3 at 60 with Klonopin (very good tolerability).
Oh - other side effects? Unlikely. Nardil allow up to 4 months that's all.
> If you stick to the diet, what are the major side effects of Nardil & Parnate? Are the side effects really that much worse than SSRIs (which cause me insomnia & anorgasmia)?
As above, Parnate insomnia most common, Nardil (like most other antidepressants) sexual side effects most common.
>
> Are Nardil or Parnate dumb drugs (in other words, can you study & remember college level material for exams when on these medications)? I noticed Parnate is supposed to be somewhat similar to amphetamine. Does it help with adhd or 'attentional/focusing' difficulties? Does Nardil also help with these adhd type symptoms?
No they are definitely NOT. If anything the opposite in my opinion. Initially when raising dose you may feel that way though. A eurphoria effect is frequently noted until stable on a dose.
>
> Can these two drugs be taken safely with a benzodiazepine such as Klonopin or Ambien for insomnia?
Absolutely. I've combined Nardil and Klonopin for several years with excellent results for an otherwise very severe Social Phobia mostly erradicated.
As with K + most other antidepressants, high doses of both usually sedating, but high on one or on the other not necessarily, specially MAOI's, effexor, Wellbutrin, Remeron, Prozac. (ie; NE active meds).
poster:Ray
thread:91497
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020124/msgs/91562.html