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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by eln on October 11, 2002, at 16:40:23
In reply to Re: thanks for understanding (nm) » katie tkm, posted by Dr. Bob on October 7, 2002, at 17:52:28
Hi all-
I have been reading through your correspondence on this thread, and have found the suggestions very helpful. Currently, I am on a 10-day tapering off period for my antidepressants. In about 3 weeks, I will be starting on Parnate.I have a few questions about the diet, drug restrictions, and such. I have a pshychiatrist who is pretty good, but a little ill-informed about the more recent discoveries about "safe" foods and hypertensive crisis medications.
1. He suggested that I get a medic alert-type bracelet. I want to get a remotely fashionable one, so I need to get it inscribed with a short description rather than a phone number to call.
What should I have engraved on it? (I have 36 characters)2. There are a few foods which I am not sure are "safe" at all or not:
- pickles (Kosher dill)
- Campbell's soup
- Malt beverages (like Skyy Blue, Smirnoff Ice)
- Thai food (curries)
- Aspartame (like in Diet Coke)
- Vegetarian frozen products (Morningstar Farms products)3. Which "emergency" medication/s should I ask for? Should I also ask for pain medication in case of a severe migraine?
Thanks in advance,
E
Posted by jsarirose on October 11, 2002, at 19:12:09
In reply to New to MAOIs, posted by eln on October 11, 2002, at 16:40:23
> 1. He suggested that I get a medic alert-type bracelet. I want to get a remotely fashionable one, so I need to get it inscribed with a short description rather than a phone number to call.
> What should I have engraved on it? (I have 36 characters)
>
> 2. There are a few foods which I am not sure are "safe" at all or not:
> - pickles (Kosher dill)
> - Campbell's soup
> - Malt beverages (like Skyy Blue, Smirnoff Ice)
> - Thai food (curries)
> - Aspartame (like in Diet Coke)
> - Vegetarian frozen products (Morningstar Farms products)
>
> 3. Which "emergency" medication/s should I ask for? Should I also ask for pain medication in case of a severe migraine?
>
>
> Thanks in advance,
> E
>
Okay - I'll go first. : )1. I don't know. I keep a slip of paper in my wallet on the hunch that if I'm in an accident and can't communicate they'll check for ID and find the paper. It lists all my current meds, the dosage, which pills I will have taken in a hypertensive crisis, and my psychiatrist's phone number.
2.
Pickles - just fine (& yummy!)Campbell's Soup - depends, check for autolyzed yeast in the ingredients and any obvious taboo's (cheese, etc.)
Bottled (as opposed to tap) malt beverages - Fine. You may want to stick to larger companies (like those you mentioned) and not tiny local breweries. Also, it is considered a moderate item, meaning I wouldn't recommend a whole ton of beer or malt beverage. Although several people on this list have had a fair amount with no ill effects (including me). Parnate tends to make me more sensitive to alcohol as well. I get much more of an effect from less alcohol, so be careful the first time you drink. I don't know if other people have had the same tolerance reaction.
Thai Food - be careful, make sure you know what's in it, or at least ask about the amount of soy sauce, whether it contains fermented soy or tempeh, and if it contains any fish or shrimp paste. I eat Asian foods, but try to stick to more obvious items unless the waitperson has a good grasp of English and I can ask them about ingredients. Curry itself is just fine if you're talking about cumin & coriander, which are the main ingredients. You may want to pick up a bottle at the store and check the ingredients, I would guess it's just fine.
Aspartame - no problem
Vegetarian Frozen Products - again, you need to check for autolyzed yeast, marmite, or any obvious taboo foods. I've had better luck with the vegetarian, organic, or more natural foods. The general ones such as Budget Gourmet, etc. tend to contain autolyzed yeast.
And a final point about autolyzed yeast. It's listed as not allowable, but I have eaten some products that contain it with no adverse effects. My guess is the amount is so tiny that it's okay - but I don't eat it any more because I really don't want to trigger an episode. So I stick to the list (newer).
3. There are many pills that people use. My personal favorite is the one my doctor gave me because it is safe to take even if your blood pressure isn't spiking. It's not always possible to take your blood pressure when you're in the middle of an attack. I take Chlorpromazine (Thorazine). It will bring down my blood pressure if it's elevated, but if it's not elevated it still helps alleviate my migraine. It does make you tired for a day or two. And I also tend to feel dizzy for a day or two. I'm not sure if those symptoms are from the Thorazine or the crisis though. I only have to take one pill. I keep one with me in my wallet, one in my car, and a few at home. I also take 1/2 to a whole Oxycodone. I have these left over from surgery though, I don't know if my doctor would prescribe some or not. The pain of migraine is so intense that the Oxycodone really helps. I've had three attacks so far in about a year. The first two were early on due to eating mistakes. I don't think my blood pressure elevated but I did get an intense migraine. The third was recent (and totally my fault, I had beer on tap knowing better), my blood pressure definitely spiked as I became sweaty, nauseas and dizzy. I took my pill immediately as I recognized the onset of symptoms and it was my most mild migraine. Then I'm just left with being tired, dizzy, and mildly headachy.
I don't want to scare you with my descriptions of the attacks - if you're careful you should be able to avoid them. And if you make a mistake, it won't last forever. I never had to go to the hospital, I never saw my doctor, I just took my emergency pill and rested at home. Some of the other pills are more serious and are only okay if your blood pressure is spiking. Also some require you to go to the hospital. I think this is unnecessary.
Well, good luck. Feel free to email if you need moral support or have more questions.
-Jessica (jsarirose@attbi.com)
Posted by cybercafe on October 13, 2002, at 11:46:34
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs, posted by jsarirose on October 11, 2002, at 19:12:09
Hey jess I just paid another visit to sunnybrook and they have quite a stash of psychiatric journals... "Tyramine content of preserved and fermented foods or condiments of Far Eastern Cuisine" is my latest find .... apparently the author found a portion of malaysian curry to have 2.88 mg of tyramine .... fried noodles to have 2.12 .... and chicken/coconut sauce to have 6.31 ... thai sausages 2.03 ... chicken bamboo curry 1.69 ... glass noodles with mushrooms 3.36 ... sweet and sour beef 2.18 ...and korean beer was a real killer, at 13.97so it's all quite complicated... like, if you are in the east, and go to a small restaurant, and eat a big portion you could be headed for trouble..... but otherwise you're probably safe??
Posted by Ted Abel on October 13, 2002, at 11:50:21
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs, posted by jsarirose on October 11, 2002, at 19:12:09
I have been on nardil for almost seven years. At first it was wonderful; literally saving my life, or atleast starting it again.I am starting to get a decreased benefit. Due to side-effects, I can't increase the dose.
I heard that tyrosine acts as a precursor to the necessary neurotransmitters, especially dopamine. But I also heard this otc can cause problems. Any comments.
Posted by linkadge on October 13, 2002, at 18:30:10
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs, posted by cybercafe on October 13, 2002, at 11:46:34
Tyrosine is an amino acid precursor to
Dopamine and norepinephrine (indirectly).
From what I've heard, it can help in some
cases in combo with certain drugs, but
its not very relyable. Personally I would
add Folic acid and Vitamin B12, to try and
boost an MAOI's effectivness.
Tyramine is a food substance that
is metabolised my MAO.
Linkadge
Posted by katie tkm on October 13, 2002, at 22:34:33
In reply to Re: side effects of MAOI's, posted by Bobbiedobbs on October 4, 2002, at 0:30:34
dear phil,
thanks for telling me about your experiences. it was good to know.
i think the nardil is really working for me - i just can't help wondering if parnate might have less side effects. i guess i can't exactly predict my response from other people's side effects because we/they're all so different.
i'm on week 6 and hanging in there with fatigue, constipation,insomnia and sexual disturbances. it's not too bad. so many other side effects have faded i hope that these will go too - and not in 4 months as some articles suggest!
i've read about taking vitamin B6 with nardil because it can cause a depletion. SOMEWHERE i read that it might be a good idea to separate the B6 and nardil dose to increase the vitamin absorption (because nardil blocks B6 absorption mostly at the same time when it is being absorbed??). like so many of the snippets i remember from hours of reading on the net i can't find the info again!!!
do you know anything about this separating when you take B6 and nardil issue?
anyway i hope you are doing ok.
best wishes
katie
Posted by ZeeZee on October 14, 2002, at 9:42:35
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs, posted by cybercafe on October 13, 2002, at 11:46:34
Has anyone used with success Marplan? If so, how do the side effects differ from Nardil and Parnate? Was it as effective? I used Nardil in the past, switched to Parnate because of s/e and it was very helpful. Recently re-tried Parnate but couldn't handle some very weird s/e that I never had before. Am considering trying a MAOI again, since they've been the only AD to work and not increase my problem with anxiety/panic. Any experiences with Marplan would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Lisa
Posted by Bobbiedobbs on October 14, 2002, at 14:23:35
In reply to Vitamin B6 and Nardil » Bobbiedobbs, posted by katie tkm on October 13, 2002, at 22:34:33
Katie: I honestly don't know anything about Vitamin B-6 and its interplay with Nardil; hopefully others here will. My advice on the Nardil is to stick with it at least for awhile longer because its benefits are hard to replicate. You might consider tapering the doseage to see if you can retain the benefits but mitigate the adverse effects. It's certainly an imperfect science. You sound like you have approximately the same stew of s/e that I did, except for the fatigue, which I now have on Parnate.
As for me, the Parnate is keeping the anxiety and social phobia somewhat at bay but I have the blahs and it doesn't do dogpile for OCD. I've become almost totally reclusive except for work, and even there I'm pretty avoidant. I'm going to try the Parnate up to a higher dose (say, 60 mg from 40) to see if that makes a difference, even if I don't go to the bathroom for the next month or so.
BTW, I'm curious as to the "third" of the MAO trilogy -Marplan - which another poster has asked about. I have had a hard time finding much about it. It only recently began being resold after being taken off the market. Hopes this helps; good luck to both (all) of us! Phil
Posted by Chocoholic on October 14, 2002, at 18:37:39
In reply to Success with Marplan? » cybercafe, posted by ZeeZee on October 14, 2002, at 9:42:35
I just quit Marplan last week after a seven week trial. I had high hopes for it because an international authority recommended it for me at a consult. I was very disappointed:it was so toxic for me that I looked really bad and my colleagues held an "intervention" and insisted I go see a doctor. My husband even had to come pick me up from work because I couldn't drive home. The side effects included rapid cycling, urinary hesitancy, constipation, dizziness and very low blood pressure. Oh, and one EPS episode.
But don't let me dissuade you--aparently they use it at Stanford with many treatment resistant patients with great success.
I actually found moclobemide, a reversible MAOI, much more effective for me. I took it for 3 years.
Good luck!
Chocoholic
Posted by eln on October 29, 2002, at 15:23:58
In reply to New to MAOIs, posted by eln on October 11, 2002, at 16:40:23
Its almost time- I start on Thursday, and will be going to see my psychiatrist in an hour to get the prescription for Parnate. The washout period has been difficult, as I have had to have my mom come to stay with me and have had to "play sick" to get away with the minimum amount of work and social interaction while I have tapered off my SSRIs for 2 weeks and spent 2 disturbing weeks off all medications.
Thank all of you who have posted on here- I am in the process of educating my psychiatrist, who considers himself to be knowledgeable on the subject of MAOIs (as he has prescribed them to many patients successfully) yet works from a diet list created in the late 70's.
I got my Medic Alert bracelet, an automatic wrist blood pressure monitor, purse to carry my emergency meds and cell phone in, and a very detailed wallet medication card.
I will let you all know how its going. Meanwhile, I have been fattening myself up by gorging myself on all the cheeses, foreign chocolates, aged meats, and chiantis that I will no longer be able to eat.I had a question about one more thing for now: is Tequila (major brand like Jose Cuervo) OK?
Thanks, E
Posted by jsarirose on October 29, 2002, at 16:10:51
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs, posted by eln on October 29, 2002, at 15:23:58
> Its almost time- I start on Thursday, and will be going to see my psychiatrist in an hour to get the prescription for Parnate. The washout period has been difficult, as I have had to have my mom come to stay with me and have had to "play sick" to get away with the minimum amount of work and social interaction while I have tapered off my SSRIs for 2 weeks and spent 2 disturbing weeks off all medications.
> Thank all of you who have posted on here- I am in the process of educating my psychiatrist, who considers himself to be knowledgeable on the subject of MAOIs (as he has prescribed them to many patients successfully) yet works from a diet list created in the late 70's.
> I got my Medic Alert bracelet, an automatic wrist blood pressure monitor, purse to carry my emergency meds and cell phone in, and a very detailed wallet medication card.
> I will let you all know how its going. Meanwhile, I have been fattening myself up by gorging myself on all the cheeses, foreign chocolates, aged meats, and chiantis that I will no longer be able to eat.
>
> I had a question about one more thing for now: is Tequila (major brand like Jose Cuervo) OK?
>
> Thanks, E
>Oh yes, you can have wine. You don't want to over do it, but several glasses is just fine. I would avoid home made wine though. Tequila is just fine too. The lists usually recommend moderation with alcohol, but the "newer" liquors are just fine. If you're drinking aged scotch or something, you might want to be a bit more careful. Beer is fine too, but make sure it's bottled beer (a larger brewery) and not tap.
The lists aren't as restrictive as previously thought. There are actually quite a few cheese options (my big weakness): mozzarella, parmesan (in moderation), Swiss Gruyere, Canadian Muenster, feta, ricotta, cream cheese, even brie if you make sure it's just the inside and no rind. I've personally had all of the above cheeses with no ill effects, and they are all on one of the more recent lists.
Check out:
http://www.vh.org/Providers/Conferences/CPS/19.htmlIf you page down you'll get actual tyramine contents and some good info. Usually 1-4mg is fine, 4 or 5 to 7 is okay in moderation, and over that is not allowed.
Keep posting your questions! There is a lot of expert info on this list about the diet restrictions.
Oh yeah - and chocolate is fine! If you like, I can send you a file with pretty specific info about the diet. jsarirose1@attbi.com
And you're doing a great prep job. Having all your precautions in line will make you more at ease. Please don't be too nervous about the med. You'll get used to it and the diet restrictions in no time. (Don't forget about med interactions too! No decongestants!)
-Jessica
Posted by cubbybear on October 31, 2002, at 0:48:30
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs » eln, posted by jsarirose on October 29, 2002, at 16:10:51
Hi,
I read about your starting up on MAOIs.Good luck!! I was taking Parnate for 18 years and considered it a life-saver. My only side effects were dry mouth (tolerable), ocassional lightheadedness (from standing up too suddenly--but don't let this scare you) and watch out--WEIGHT GAIN. So keep that in mind as a POSSIBLE side effect. Now, I want to emphasize that after perusing this website and others for countless days and nights, I have come to the conclusion that every patient reacts to every different medication in a different way. I'm telling you only about MY experience, OK? I think Parnate (is that what you're taking?) is fabulous and as long as you're careful about the foods and other meds., you shouldn't worry at all. But what I find a bit disturbing is that in someone's previous post, they said that beer and wine are OK. I was shocked because I had always thought that beer is NOT OK and onlly WHITE wine is OK. There is definitely some leeway on some foods, but you should do as much research as you can on the subject of the forbidden foods. Good luck!
Posted by jsarirose on October 31, 2002, at 1:34:58
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs, posted by cubbybear on October 31, 2002, at 0:48:30
> Hi,
> I read about your starting up on MAOIs.Good luck!! I was taking Parnate for 18 years and considered it a life-saver. My only side effects were dry mouth (tolerable), ocassional lightheadedness (from standing up too suddenly--but don't let this scare you) and watch out--WEIGHT GAIN. So keep that in mind as a POSSIBLE side effect.But what I find a bit disturbing is that in someone's previous post, they said that beer and wine are OK. I was shocked because I had always thought that beer is NOT OK and onlly WHITE wine is OK. There is definitely some leeway on some foods, but you should do as much research as you can on the subject of the forbidden foods. Good luck!
In general, Parnate is supposed to promote weight loss. At the very least, it's not supposed to promote weight gain like Nardil and others may. As the previous poster mentioned, 'your mileage may vary'. Side effects are different for every person. I've lost over 90lbs on Parnate (and with diet and exercise changes that were possible because of the Parnate).
Regarding the beer and wine, make sure you are looking at the most recent research. Tap beers and homemade beers and wine should be avoided. Other should be had in moderation, but really is just fine. (Check out the site I mentioned previously.)
-Jessica
Posted by Bobbiedobbs on October 31, 2002, at 10:57:04
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs, posted by jsarirose on October 31, 2002, at 1:34:58
Regarding the food and alcohol restrictions, Id more or less concur with Jessica. I'd go slow on the wines (red or white) and alcohol while you are acclamating to the medication. But it doesn't matter what kind of alcohol it is at long as it is not a home-brew or microbrew beer. In 20 years of Nardil and Parnate I've only had 2 reactions - one to a decongestant, another to anchovy paste. and that includes alot of sausage, sauerkraut, soy sauce, pepperoni, and God knows, chocolate! Riccota/mozzerella/cream cheese/processed yogurts/are DEFINITELY no problem!!!!Phil
Posted by jsarirose on October 31, 2002, at 15:03:48
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs, posted by Bobbiedobbs on October 31, 2002, at 10:57:04
> Regarding the food and alcohol restrictions, Id more or less concur with Jessica. I'd go slow on the wines (red or white) and alcohol while you are acclamating to the medication. But it doesn't matter what kind of alcohol it is at long as it is not a home-brew or microbrew beer. In 20 years of Nardil and Parnate I've only had 2 reactions - one to a decongestant, another to anchovy paste. and that includes alot of sausage, sauerkraut, soy sauce, pepperoni, and God knows, chocolate! Riccota/mozzerella/cream cheese/processed yogurts/are DEFINITELY no problem!!!!Phil
That's funny, one of my three reactions was to anchovy paste too! I found it's in some of the more obscure Asian foods. (For me it was Vietnamese Pho.) And I've been on a sauerkraut binge lately because a new pub serves it with brats (I don't eat the brats, just the kraut).
-Jessica
Posted by eln on November 14, 2002, at 15:59:22
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs, posted by eln on October 29, 2002, at 15:23:58
Thanks for all the support - I am up to my full dosage now (30 mg/day) and so far things are going fine. I am losing weight (my appetite has decreased), and my biggest problem seems to be with insomnia. I was already taking sleeping pills before, and I had to increase my dose.
I haven't tried any of the foods in dispute (like any cheeses or wines), but my doctor and I plan to do some in-office trials in the next few weeks.I am still searching for a pain medication that would be OK to take in case of a reaction - I am unfortunately allergic to codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Darvon is supposedly unsafe, and demerol is of course out of the question. I am not an expert at this- even my doctor is stumped. Are there other medications I should look up or get in touch with the manufacturers? I know they all seem to list their products as interacting adversely in order to protect themselves legally, but they can't ALL be that bad...
Hopefully, I will never need this, but I also don't want to suffer if I do have a reaction. I don't think I will feel OK with doing food trials until I'm certain I can take care of the pain.
Thanks,
E
Posted by jsarirose on November 14, 2002, at 16:23:42
In reply to MAOIs and Painkillers, posted by eln on November 14, 2002, at 15:59:22
> I am still searching for a pain medication that would be OK to take in case of a reaction - I am unfortunately allergic to codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Darvon is supposedly unsafe, and demerol is of course out of the question. I am not an expert at this- even my doctor is stumped. Are there other medications I should look up or get in touch with the manufacturers? I know they all seem to list their products as interacting adversely in order to protect themselves legally, but they can't ALL be that bad...
>
> Hopefully, I will never need this, but I also don't want to suffer if I do have a reaction. I don't think I will feel OK with doing food trials until I'm certain I can take care of the pain.
>
> Thanks,
> EI'm a little confused. The pain medicine will make you feel better but it won't help with a blood pressure spike. Did your doctor prescribe an emergency pill? For example, if I start having a reaction I take Chlorpromazine (Thorazine). It will bring down my blood pressure if necessary but won't harm me if my blood pressure isn't spiking. That has nothing to do with pain control (other than shortening my reaction). It is very necessary to prohibit a heart attack or stroke though.
-Jessica
ps - most foods I know of aren't controversial if you look into the most recent tyramine levels. It's only if you're looking at an old study and a new study that there is conflict. I always go with the latest information and haven't had a single problem.
Posted by Mairwen on January 4, 2003, at 17:20:53
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs » eln, posted by jsarirose on October 29, 2002, at 16:10:51
> > Its almost time- I start on Thursday, and will be going to see my psychiatrist in an hour to get the prescription for Parnate. The washout period has been difficult, as I have had to have my mom come to stay with me and have had to "play sick" to get away with the minimum amount of work and social interaction while I have tapered off my SSRIs for 2 weeks and spent 2 disturbing weeks off all medications.
> > Thank all of you who have posted on here- I am in the process of educating my psychiatrist, who considers himself to be knowledgeable on the subject of MAOIs (as he has prescribed them to many patients successfully) yet works from a diet list created in the late 70's.
> > I got my Medic Alert bracelet, an automatic wrist blood pressure monitor, purse to carry my emergency meds and cell phone in, and a very detailed wallet medication card.
> > I will let you all know how its going. Meanwhile, I have been fattening myself up by gorging myself on all the cheeses, foreign chocolates, aged meats, and chiantis that I will no longer be able to eat.
> >
> > I had a question about one more thing for now: is Tequila (major brand like Jose Cuervo) OK?
> >
> > Thanks, E
> >
>
> Oh yes, you can have wine. You don't want to over do it, but several glasses is just fine. I would avoid home made wine though. Tequila is just fine too. The lists usually recommend moderation with alcohol, but the "newer" liquors are just fine. If you're drinking aged scotch or something, you might want to be a bit more careful. Beer is fine too, but make sure it's bottled beer (a larger brewery) and not tap.
>
> The lists aren't as restrictive as previously thought. There are actually quite a few cheese options (my big weakness): mozzarella, parmesan (in moderation), Swiss Gruyere, Canadian Muenster, feta, ricotta, cream cheese, even brie if you make sure it's just the inside and no rind. I've personally had all of the above cheeses with no ill effects, and they are all on one of the more recent lists.
>
> Check out:
> http://www.vh.org/Providers/Conferences/CPS/19.html
>
> If you page down you'll get actual tyramine contents and some good info. Usually 1-4mg is fine, 4 or 5 to 7 is okay in moderation, and over that is not allowed.
>
> Keep posting your questions! There is a lot of expert info on this list about the diet restrictions.
>
> Oh yeah - and chocolate is fine! If you like, I can send you a file with pretty specific info about the diet. jsarirose1@attbi.com
>
> And you're doing a great prep job. Having all your precautions in line will make you more at ease. Please don't be too nervous about the med. You'll get used to it and the diet restrictions in no time. (Don't forget about med interactions too! No decongestants!)
>
> -JessicaHello
I have just started on Nardil and have no medic alert bracelet, no auto wrist blood pressure monitor, emergency meds or wallet medication card. These have not been mentioned to me. Should I be worried?
Mairwen
Posted by Bobbiedobbs on January 5, 2003, at 2:56:08
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs » jsarirose, posted by Mairwen on January 4, 2003, at 17:20:53
It wouldn't hurt to carry something in your wallet if you are not carrying a medic-alert bracelet. And I would also recommend assuring yourself access to an antidote such as procardia. This doesn't have to be done the first second, but I think it is a good cautionary idea. And, as stated earlier, be careful about cold medications - no decongestants, but antihistamines are OK. Now, enjoy the results of the Nardil. Phil
Posted by jsarirose on January 7, 2003, at 1:07:58
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs » jsarirose, posted by Mairwen on January 4, 2003, at 17:20:53
> Hello
> I have just started on Nardil and have no medic alert bracelet, no auto wrist blood pressure monitor, emergency meds or wallet medication card. These have not been mentioned to me. Should I be worried?
> MairwenYou should definately have an emergency pill. I don't understand the few doctors that don't prescribe one. Some say to call 911 and they'll meet you at the hospital. This is unnecessary. There are others, but I take Chlorpramazine (Thorazine). I take it only if I have an attack. You can tell if you're having an attack because you will get an incredible migraine headache, and your blood pressure will rise causing claminess, redness, etc. (Blood pressure doesn't always rise, or perhaps you don't always get symptoms, because I've had two attacks where I just had the migraine.) As soon as you realize, you take the emergency pill and it will bring down your blood pressure. It's very dangerous to wait as you can have a heart attack or stroke, etc. But, if you have the emergency pill you don't have to worry about that at all. I keep one in my wallet, one in my car, and some at home.
A home blood pressure isn't absolutely necessary but it helps to know what your regular blood pressure is and it helps to take it if you think you're having an attack. I've heard the wrist ones aren't as accurate as the arm one. I do recommend an automatic one as when you're having a hypertensive crisis it's not always easy to take your own blood pressure. I had an Omrom and was quite happy with it.
I do think it's a good idea to keep a med list in your wallet. If you have an accident and are submitted to the hospital they need to know you are on an MAOI. It effects anesthesia.
And I didn't think about an emergency bracelet until recently. Personally I'm not going to wear one unless I can find something very discreet.
Anyway - out of your list, I strongly urge you to get an emergency pill. Good luck on Nardil.
-Jessica
Posted by jsarirose on January 7, 2003, at 1:09:26
In reply to Re: New to MAOIs, posted by Bobbiedobbs on January 5, 2003, at 2:56:08
> It wouldn't hurt to carry something in your wallet if you are not carrying a medic-alert bracelet. And I would also recommend assuring yourself access to an antidote such as procardia. This doesn't have to be done the first second, but I think it is a good cautionary idea. And, as stated earlier, be careful about cold medications - no decongestants, but antihistamines are OK. Now, enjoy the results of the Nardil. Phil
Certain antihistamines. Benedryl (pure, not the cold one), not Sudafed!
-Jessica
Posted by Ted Abel on February 12, 2003, at 16:01:13
In reply to maoi and tyrosine, posted by Ted Abel on October 13, 2002, at 11:50:21
I haven't really gotten any information as to whether it is ok to take tyrosine or phelylanine with a MAOI. Please advise.
Posted by cf on April 1, 2003, at 19:48:07
In reply to Re: MAOI diet short list and Zyvox , posted by fran on January 19, 2002, at 23:17:44
Hi I have cystic fibrosis. I've been on many antibiotics all my life practically. I have resistant bacteria in my lungs that doesn't go away it just dies down a little then flares up again. My dr's started putting me on zyvox antibiotic over the last couple of years. When I first went on them nobody told me it was an maoi, not that I new what that was till recently. I don't remember any adverse reactions to this med the first time I took it( I didn't take any dietary precautions). Now, after doing research on websites(webmd.com,discoveryhealth.com)I've found out a whole list of things I can't eat. My pharmacist only told me to avoid cheese and wine, thats it. My dr's didn't know that zyvox was an maoi and asked me to bring in my research from the web. I keep getting bad headaches and my blood pressure when I check it is high. It's gone as high as 151/100, I normally have normal blood pressure. Having cf also means I have to take albuterol nebulizers which I recently read on the insert that taking albuterol with maoi's may potentiate the albuterol. As well as, my dr's were going to put me on allegra-D but I asked them to give me plain allegra because pseudoephidrine makes me jittery normally. I didn't want to take it with the zyvox which also make me jittery and nautious sometimes. Why wasn't my doctor aware of the fact that zyvox is an maoi?
Posted by jsarirose on April 2, 2003, at 0:15:39
In reply to Re: MAOI diet short list and Zyvox , posted by cf on April 1, 2003, at 19:48:07
> Hi I have cystic fibrosis. I've been on many antibiotics all my life practically. I have resistant bacteria in my lungs that doesn't go away it just dies down a little then flares up again. My dr's started putting me on zyvox antibiotic over the last couple of years. When I first went on them nobody told me it was an maoi, not that I new what that was till recently. I don't remember any adverse reactions to this med the first time I took it( I didn't take any dietary precautions). Now, after doing research on websites(webmd.com,discoveryhealth.com)I've found out a whole list of things I can't eat. My pharmacist only told me to avoid cheese and wine, thats it. My dr's didn't know that zyvox was an maoi and asked me to bring in my research from the web. I keep getting bad headaches and my blood pressure when I check it is high. It's gone as high as 151/100, I normally have normal blood pressure. Having cf also means I have to take albuterol nebulizers which I recently read on the insert that taking albuterol with maoi's may potentiate the albuterol. As well as, my dr's were going to put me on allegra-D but I asked them to give me plain allegra because pseudoephidrine makes me jittery normally. I didn't want to take it with the zyvox which also make me jittery and nautious sometimes. Why wasn't my doctor aware of the fact that zyvox is an maoi?
>
>Wow! That's terrible and potentially very dangerous! MAOIs require a strict diet - the diet isn't too bad, but the repercussion of eating the wrong thing can potentially be life threatening. The MAOI diet isn't as simple as your doctor mentioned as I'm sure you've realized. Here are some basics:
Fresh cheeses are fine, for example: mozzarella, Muenster, Chevre, Montrachet, parmesan, cottage, ricotta, Feta, Gorgonzola, Brie (rind removed), etc. The aged cheeses, cheddar, bleu, etc. are the ones to avoid.
Wine is fine in moderation, alcohol is fine in moderation, beer is fine except tap beer.
You want to avoid aged items like prosciutto, some salamis (some are fresh, some are aged), old chicken livers - fresh are okay.
Basically, if it's been sitting around or there is danger of mold - throw it out.
Here is a good site to take a look at:
http://www.vh.org/adult/provider/psychiatry/CPS/19.htmlLet me know if you have more diet questions. Feel free to email me: jsarirose1@attbi.com
I've been on Parnate for about 1 1/2 years and have a pretty good handle on the diet.
You may also want to talk to your doctor about an 'emergency pill'. There are a few pills you can take that will bring your blood pressure back down if you have a hypertensive crisis. I take Thorazine (Chlorpromazine). I only take it in the case of a crisis (no side effects of regular use). It's also safe to take if my blood pressure isn't elevated but I think I'm in crisis. The symptoms are usually the onset of a severe migraine, flushed face, warm, clammy, sweating, etc. I've only had three attacks since I started. One was from smoked, canned clams in a stew, one from anchovy paste (shrimp paste, etc. are not allowed), and one from a beer on tap (just being stupid). All three times the Thorazine brought my blood pressure back down. You still feel crappy for a good while, but you're not in any danger.
Anyway, those are some of the details. As to the fact that they didn't inform you that you were taking an MAOI - well, that's amazing to me and very dangerous. I would question your doctor quite thoroughly about this.
Good luck,
Jessica
Posted by tansy on April 13, 2003, at 1:38:18
In reply to Success with Marplan? » cybercafe, posted by ZeeZee on October 14, 2002, at 9:42:35
> Has anyone used with success Marplan? If so, how do the side effects differ from Nardil and Parnate? Was it as effective? I used Nardil in the past,... Any experiences with Marplan would be appreciated.
> Thanks,
> LisaLisa, this may be too late, but I take Marplan now and love it. I have taken both Nardil and Parnate in the past, but find Marplan to have the most benign side effects. Have been on it for several months and my depression is gone. Have more energy, better ability to concentrate. It is messing with my sleep patterns (I have Lyme disease and already had problems with this). Now experimenting with taking it at different times of day. It has also increased my appetite, which is also not good, but hoping change in time of taking it will help this also. Overall, I'm thrilled with it.
Also, in 15 years of taking mostly Nardil and some Parnate on and off I have never had a hypertensive reaction, ever. I may just be one of those people not sensitive to tyramine. Went out to a French restaurant the other night, wasn't thinking and had Duck Liver Pate, red wine and some escargot. I was fine. I do think the freshness of food is crucial (it was a good restaurant and specialized in high quality, seasonally fresh food). I also have never pushed the cheese thing. I have chronic Lyme disease and am on large amount of painkillers (oxycontin) without a problem. I also have asthma, which is what has caused me to d/c the MAOI's in the past. I take Singulaire everyday without a problem, but read with interest that someone with CF was using an Albuterol inhaler without a problem. Anybody have any experience with asthma meds?
thanks!
tansy
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