Posted by Crazy Horse on April 29, 2006, at 10:42:34
In reply to Re: Crazy Horse, posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 28, 2006, at 22:00:22
> So you mention you just started taking Parnate three months ago? How long did it take to work?
>
> Is it really the only one that has helped you in the 25 years of emotional issues (since college)?
>
> Please tell more.Parnate started working for me at about day 10. This is my second time on parnate, i was on it in 1997, it worked well then, but short lived, only 2 1/2 mos. I think the big difference this time is that i am able to sleep better, not great but better, in '97 my doc didn't give me anything for the insomnia and i think not sleeping ruined my chances of sustained help from parnate. Hopefully this time it will work much longer.
The last 25 yrs. To tell you everything i would have to literally write a book. I'll do my best here. After my first "breakdown" at age 22, this was before ssri's (1981) I did okay for a couple of years on Imipramine and ativan. I was still having a lot of trouble with OCD at this time and social phobia, was going to a psychologist for counseling also, this helped a little. I've been thru about 7 yrs. of counseling total. During this time i was still having panic attacks also. At 24 had another breakdown, wasn't hospitalized, but i was in bed for about 2 mos. More counseling, still on imipramine and ativan and i believe he added lithium and thyroid 3 also. Took awhile, but got better, not full remission but better. This is kind of the pattern i've had since age 22, do better for awhile, than relapse. It's been a roller coaster ride.
During the last 25 yrs. I've been on every ssri, every snri, most TCA's and MAOI's. Of these meds some worked but only for awhile, some didn't work at all. Also been on 3 dif. benzos, tons of augmentation meds (more than i can remember) and in '97 i was hospitalized for 2 1/2 mos. and recieved 24 ECT treatments-they didn't help me that much.
The meds that have helped: Imipramine, Remeron, Paxil, Prozac, Nardil(only 2 mos.) and Parnate.
Remeron/Paxil combo was a pretty good one for me, it kept me afloat for a few years. When i do get better, I'm better but still symptomatic-mostly OCD and social phobia stuff.
Parnate has been the best AD i've every been on, especially this time. Although i still and i'm sure always will have my struggles...Parnate makes me feel pretty darn good. I just pray to God it lasts, because i could definitely enjoy living like this for the rest of my life. Parnate has eliminated my depression, OCD, and GAD. Social phobia is not nearly as bad either...i'd say 70% improvement.
Anyway, that's pretty much it. I was able to work for about 13 yrs. until my condition worsened, now i'm on disability. Because of my frequent relapses (more than i can remember) and the up down nature of my illness, i doubt that i'll be able to work again
I'm surrounded by my lovely, faithful, and supportive (always) wife of 20 yrs. (She will complete her RN degree in one year...then she can take care of me..HA HA) and 2 wonderful sons ages 7 and 4. We share a strong faith in God...without Him i would have given up long ago. I'll keep fighting this disease probably until the day i die, my biggest concern and something i pray about daily is that neither of my boy's inherit this horrible illness.
Well, if you have more questions, just ask. And please, tell me your story as well. :)
Monte
poster:Crazy Horse
thread:637546
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060429/msgs/638089.html