Posted by Bobbiedobbs on October 4, 2002, at 0:30:34
In reply to Re: side effects of MAOI's, posted by jsarirose on October 3, 2002, at 1:44:51
Katie:
Nardil worked like a charm for me in relieving (or at least mitigating) my social inhibition and anxiety. The bummer was the side effects at 60 mg and higher. These included insomnia (this did get better over time),intermittent constipation, "urinary retention" (or to put it crudely, difficulty taking a piss), difficulty maintaining an erection and, at 60 mg, a complete inability to reach orgasm. These symptoms would show up beginning at about 45 mg. and whop me at 60 mg. (They weren't much of a problem at lower doseages).I put up with all this because I felt more comfortable socially, less anxious and inhibited and generally better able to function (well, at least socially.) I would drop the med level down to get relief.
After a few years, the side effects worsened while the benefits diminished. I switched to Parnate, which I've taken for the past two years. P. has been a different beast altogether. Its side effects are less acute but it also has less of a kick. It doesn't appear to cause weight gain, as did Nardil. However, I'm taking naps during the day and, at 40 mg. or higher, have to put up with the aforementioned constipation and anorgasmia.
That said, from what I've heard and read, the two medications seem to act differently on different individuals. Some people get hyper on Parnate, others are fatigued. But some of the things you mentioned I'd say are common complaints, particularly with Nardil.
I should add that some of the initial side effects which I experienced with Nardil dropped off after a few weeks. These included dizziness (particularly upon going from reclining to standing) dry mouth, shakies (leg shaking - quite the turn-on!) and sleeping difficulty.
You might consider giving the Nardil awhile longer, dropping the level down when the side effects became harder to tolerable. There is supposed to be some retained benefit from an initial higher dose followed by a maintenance level. If the problems continue, I'd give Parnate a try, as the MAOs appear efficacious for you.
Hope this helps. At least we can eat certain kinds of cheese and drink bottled beer. Best wishes, Phil.
poster:Bobbiedobbs
thread:75408
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020930/msgs/122245.html