Posted by stargazer2 on April 27, 2008, at 17:17:39
In reply to I Would Take Nardil In A Heartbeat But, posted by bulldog2 on April 27, 2008, at 13:39:59
Hi Bulldog, Don't let the diet scare you away from something that could potentially change your life so dramatically. It would be worth it and if it didn't work to your expectations, you could always go off it and resume your uncensored dietary style.
I tried Nardil in 1987, as only the second drug after Elavil. The diet was not difficult to follow and since I felt so much better, giving up certain foods was rather easy. I fortunately don't like many foods on the MAO diet, like aged foods, red wine, etc.
After many years and many meds between then and now, I'm back on Nardil and although it is not the drug I remembered it to be back then, it has given me back more of my life than most other meds I've tried. All the other meds just seemed to make me feel worse, never better.
When I go out to eat, I never have a real problem unless everything has cheese in it. Occasionally I may eat something that may not be on the allowed list, but it has not given me much trouble. I did go overboard with pizza once and it affected my BP. but for myself, eating a piece of pizza has not caused any crisis to occur.
The only real trouble I have had was taking meds that were contraindicated. It was always an oversight. As a matter of fact, I'm currently on a muscle relaxant for a pulled muscle in my back, and even though the doc knew about me being on a MAO, he prescribed this drug. The first one was called Skelaxin, which I think was OK with Nardil except it didn't do squat for the neck problem. I called the doc back and he now prescribed another called Cyclobenzaprine. I should have known better than to not look it up immediately for interactions w Nardil. The name 'benzaprine' should have given me a clue but it didn't. All I know is that since taking it I have felt hot and itch terribly. Last night after taking it on and off for a week, I looked it up and low and behold, it is not to be given with a MAO.
All this means is that if you do go on Nardil, YOU have to be the person who keeps track of the diet, the meds and everything else since many docs are not very good at heeding the MAO warnigs when giving other meds.
Well that's my speech on Nardil and it's shortcomings. It can make a major difference in your depression and despite the interactions and all, it is well worth the risks that there are. That is my opinion but only you can make the decision to try it. but if your depression is anything like mine, I had nothing to lose by trying it. I had everything to gain and although I wouldn't call it a miracle like the original Nardil was for me, it is certainly batter than the numerous other meds I tried over the past 20 some odd years on medication.
Stargazer
poster:stargazer2
thread:825820
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080420/msgs/825883.html