Posted by Elimino Pete on March 6, 2010, at 9:50:22
In reply to Re: Abilify + Other Meds » Elimino Pete, posted by jedi on March 5, 2010, at 8:54:08
Hi Jedi,
Interesting about the Klonapin. I have been on it for 10+ years, but my experience has been more benefit from the Ativan days. I like the idea of the long half-life so that it works more in the background. Since in theory it should be better for me, I am still with Klonapin. I am not sure if my reasoning there is sound, but my pdoc concurs. Annoying sedation is probably a bigger problem for me with the benzos than memory issues, but as stated, I too have the memory problems. It's hard for me to know the causes when there are so many meds in the mix and even those that are ever in flux. Besides, I think there is a baseline memory problem in my case, as much as I may wish to deny it. The brain fog of ADD is another layer to that.
To echo your predicament, my pdoc is not even up on MAOI drugs, so I do know what you mean about having to be proactive with your health care. I try to do that, but you are clearly much more researched than I. Given the area of rather isolated geography in which I live, the pdoc is decent over all, but is way more new school.
You are to be congratulated for what you have done. It sounds like you are living testament to the fact that people with mental health problems can and do get better. You've even done it without a lot of direct assistance from the medical community. From what you've revealed, I admire you for what you've been able to accomplish, in spite of the apparent profound challenges. Though I too have come a long way (at least I think so most days), you give me hope that there is more.
If I do go back onto Nardil (and I think I may), I may look into the testosterone gel treatment you mentioned. I sometimes test borderline low testosterone and my pc doc has mentioned the gel if the tests become consistent. Did you try any of the standard ED treatments and did they help with the Nardil side effects? I've used them but not while on any drugs that caused me ejaculatory problems(Selegeline 6 mg did not). Sounds like you may be able to readily settle for sex without orgasm, at least sometimes. I wish I was more like that. For me, it often becomes an exercise in frustration.
You mentioned codeine. I actually used to use it to self-medicate and found it to have robust anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects. Too bad it isn't something one can typically use long-term or I might just push a doc for a script (fat chance I'm sure). Im glad you were able to get beyond your frightening episode with the combo confusion. I used to carry some drug (I'm sure you know of it) that was designed to counteract a hypertensive crisis, but I was naive to the threats of hypotensive emergencies with an MAOI(still am to a great extent actually). Thanks for the account as it will generate some research on my part.
I like Elizabeth's MAOI diet list, particularly in light of the fact that you have field tested it and it works well for you. I will certainly refer to it again, esp. if and when I go back to Nardil. It's good to know that the MAOI dietary restrictions have been relaxed in the years since I had to deal with that.
I have to admit that the weight gain is also a huge factor in my hesitancy to go back on Nardil. It in fact may be the biggest one. When I more recently tried 6 mg Emsam, I experienced a spike in weight, but got no real therapeutic benefit. That too has me gun shy to going back on Nardil. At the end of Nardil treatment, I was down to only 30 mg Nardil and actually did receive benefit, but who knows about now until I try. If I could contain sexual and weight side effects and go higher more easily, I'd be back on Nardil in a heartbeat. I guess I'm not quite ready to give up on other drug and drug combo possibilities just yet, but after over a decade of a lot of disappointment, I wonder in the long run if I'd had been better off to just stick with the tried and true. Then again, I'd never had known, had I not tried.
Incidentally, in spite of the literature that says it is the treatment of choice for social phobia, CBT was not my answer. My case is substantial, however.
Thanks again for all your input, Jedi. You have no idea how much you help me and I will always be grateful.
Regards,
Pete
poster:Elimino Pete
thread:938319
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100305/msgs/938701.html