Posted by KaraS on December 30, 2004, at 11:01:32
In reply to Re: Floaters, hypotension and MAOIs » KaraS, posted by Ktemene on December 30, 2004, at 2:34:49
> > I've recently developed eye floaters and I'm wondering if that could be a problem for my plan to start on an MAOI. I've read that hypotension can cause floaters and MAOIs can cause low blood pressure... so now I"m wondering if this wouldn't be a bad move.
> >
> > Ironically, I had been worried about a hypertensive crisis making the floaters worse but from the limited reading I've done so far, it appears that the low blood pressure is more dangerous here.
> >
> > If anyone can add some information or advice, I'd be very grateful.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > K
>
> Hi Kara,
>
> I have heard that a lot of things can cause eye floaters, and of course most of us were born with floaters. I remember noticing my floaters as a child and telling my grandmother, which was a big mistake. She promptly gave me a big nasty dose of castor oil on the theory that pretty much anything could be cured by castor oil. My grandmother was right about a lot of things, but she was wrong about castor oil and the floaters. I still have them. Most of the time I don't notice them, but they are always there.
>
Hi Ktemene,It's reassuring to hear about others living with floaters. I cringed when reading about the castor oil treatment. Yuck!
I did just recently discover the floaters but I don't know what caused them in my case. Some people are born with them while others develop them due to functions associated with aging. I suspect I fall into the latter category. I don't currently have any problem with hypotension. I read that it may also be a cause of floaters though. My concern was that that an MAOI might cause hypotension and therefore make the floaters worse.
> If you have noticed a lot of floaters quite recently that you are sure you didn't have before, then you might have an infection or the beginning of a retinal detachment. Is there some reason that makes you think that your floaters are caused by hypotension? Have you had problems with hypotension before? And are you having any other symptoms that might be caused by hypotension like fainting or getting dizzy when you stand up suddenly? Do you take your own blood pressure or get your bp checked at a local clinic or pharmacy?
From what I've read, most floaters are just annoying and not dangerous. It's when they get severe and you have other symptoms along with them like shooting stars (light specks that move) that you need to be concerned about retinal detachment. Also, those with more chance of serious problems tend to be nearsighted and I have close to 20/20 vision. I will probably see an opthamologist just to be on the safe side though.
> I was sorry that your Selegiline trial did not work out, and I was hoping that Parnate (or Nardil) would work for you. I am still using Selegiline and DLPA (and Adderall and Provigil). But I have added Remeron to my cocktail to deal with Selegiline-insomnia and anxiety caused by my work situation. (Gosh, that seems like a lot of medication when I write it out. But I don't take Adderall and Provigil every day, and I only use them for ADD.) I can really recommend Remeron for great sleep and anxiety reduction. I tried Niacinamide after you and Larry recommended it, and it also is helping.I really didn't give selegiline a fair trial. I will probably go back at some point and give it another try. I do think of you and how well the selegiline + DLPA has worked for you. The fact that it put me to sleep was a hindrance along with the fact that all of a sudden I started having these strange health problems that are getting in the way of everything - not to mention scaring me to death and causing great anxiety because I don't have health insurance.
I don't think you're taking that much medication - but then I hang out here :-). I'm glad it's all working for you so well though. Have you gained weight on Remeron or does the selegiline counteract that? Why do you also use the niacinamide if the Remeron is already so good for the anxiety and insomnia?
Thanks for your help here.
Kara
poster:KaraS
thread:435591
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041228/msgs/435689.html