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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 15:32:38
Hi.
Yesterday was my first day on Nardil. The only side effect I have experienced is the constipation - started right away. And I woke up about 45 minutes earlier than usual this morning.
Actually so far, I feel worse. I keep reminding myself I am basically not on an antidepressant - been off Celexa for over two weeks and Nardil not working yet but I feel horrible. The only reason I am able to post here is that I took half a Provigil about an hour and a half ago and that helped some.
Qeustion one: When will the brain zaps from the Celexa washout go away? Is it normal to be still having them after over two weeks?
Question two: Should I attack the side effects before they attack me? Should I start treating the constipation now? I took Glycolax, a (pardon me) stool softener this morning. I don't think it is going to be strong enough to do the job though.
Question three: I already have low blood pressure. On a good day it is about 103/65. On a bad day 95/60. I there something I can do to raise my blood pressure before the Nardil hypotension sets in? Eat more salt? Is there a med out there that raises blood pressure?
I could sure use some encouragement. I had a bad crying jag this morning and again about 2. Not just weepy, total despair.
Thanks all,
Marsha
Posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 15:36:54
In reply to Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions, posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 15:32:38
What about Nardil and nicotine? I am a fairly heavy smoker and it often seems that is all that gets me through the next ten minutes - to have a cigarette. Will the nicotine stop the Nardil from working properly?
Marsha
Posted by Phillipa on March 7, 2008, at 16:42:22
In reply to One more question, posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 15:36:54
Following you cause I care. Babble one of the nardilites???? Love Phillipa
Posted by Justherself54 on March 7, 2008, at 17:21:56
In reply to Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions, posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 15:32:38
The brain zaps should be going away soon..they are awful..I would start treating the constipation right way..take a high fiber supplement every day..
You need to talk to your doctor about something for your anxiety..I don't know if you've ever taken clonazapam, but it works well for me..and talk to him about something for sleep as a lot of people get insomnia from Nardil..I take zopiclone..I was taking seroquel also but have been able to stop taking it..I think the insomnia is easing up for me..but it was bad at first..
I feel awful for you as you are in a bad spot right now..I went through the same thing when I had major surgery in September..had to go off parnate (long story why I'm on Nardil now) and then had to wait until I was no longer taking pain meds..
But with liberal use of clonazapam I was able to make it through..depression's bad enough without anxiety feeding into it..
I don't have hypotension from Nardil..I did really badly on Parnate. Maybe you won't get it either.
I read your other post about nicotine..I'm a heavy smoker also..I seem to smoke more on Nardil for some reason..I also drink a lot of coffee and it doesn't seem to bother me..nor does liberal amounts of chocolate..eeekk..
Please feel free to babblemail me any time you need to..I'll try to help you as much as I can..I know you probably still have a ton of questions..I know I did..it was scary for me to start Nardil, but I wish it had been the first AD not the last resort one..I hope it works for you..
I hope your doctor can help you get your anxiety under control..crying jags are no fun..I remember once I cried for 10 hours straight..
Be gentle with yourself during this transition and I'm here for you..
Justy
Hi.
>
> Yesterday was my first day on Nardil. The only side effect I have experienced is the constipation - started right away. And I woke up about 45 minutes earlier than usual this morning.
>
> Actually so far, I feel worse. I keep reminding myself I am basically not on an antidepressant - been off Celexa for over two weeks and Nardil not working yet but I feel horrible. The only reason I am able to post here is that I took half a Provigil about an hour and a half ago and that helped some.
>
> Qeustion one: When will the brain zaps from the Celexa washout go away? Is it normal to be still having them after over two weeks?
>
> Question two: Should I attack the side effects before they attack me? Should I start treating the constipation now? I took Glycolax, a (pardon me) stool softener this morning. I don't think it is going to be strong enough to do the job though.
>
> Question three: I already have low blood pressure. On a good day it is about 103/65. On a bad day 95/60. I there something I can do to raise my blood pressure before the Nardil hypotension sets in? Eat more salt? Is there a med out there that raises blood pressure?
>
> I could sure use some encouragement. I had a bad crying jag this morning and again about 2. Not just weepy, total despair.
>
> Thanks all,
>
> Marsha
>
>
Posted by squatlover on March 7, 2008, at 20:37:15
In reply to Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions, posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 15:32:38
I'm surprised you got constipated straight away - something I have never suffered from. Day 1 is a long time to go. How much do you weigh? Even if you are at a good dose you are looking at 20+ days to start feeling it. Start the stool softener, just treat the side effects. I wouldn't worry about the blood pressure. Its going to over such a long period of time you will aclimitise - the dizziness may be worse for you but i'm sure it will go in time.
Posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 21:36:17
In reply to Re: Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions, posted by squatlover on March 7, 2008, at 20:37:15
> I'm surprised you got constipated straight away - something I have never suffered from. Day 1 is a long time to go. How much do you weigh? Even if you are at a good dose you are looking at 20+ days to start feeling it. Start the stool softener, just treat the side effects. I wouldn't worry about the blood pressure. Its going to over such a long period of time you will aclimitise - the dizziness may be worse for you but i'm sure it will go in time.
Well, I was somewhat constipated anyway, maybe from my trazadone. I guess I can put up with the hypotension if I have to. I just don't want to pass out. I weigh about 110 (51kg) and I'm starting on 45mg of Nardil.
You are right. Day one is a long time to go. But today makes day two.Marsha
Posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 21:48:11
In reply to Re: Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions, posted by Justherself54 on March 7, 2008, at 17:21:56
>
> You need to talk to your doctor about something for your anxiety..I don't know if you've ever taken clonazapam, but it works well for me..and talk to him about something for sleep as a lot of people get insomnia from Nardil..I take zopiclone..I was taking seroquel also but have been able to stop taking it..I think the insomnia is easing up for me..but it was bad at first..What is the brand name for zopliclone?
I already take clonazepam. In fact my anxiety levels have been so high I've been having to take much more of it than prescribed. 2mg of Klonopin is like an aspirin. I have been having to take as much as 8 or even 10mg a day to combat the anxiety. Something has to give here. Maybe the Nardil will serve as an anxiolytic.
I am glad to know you were taking Seroquel and the Nardil still worked for you. I have been worrying that the Geodon I take might interfere with the Nardil.
> I feel awful for you as you are in a bad spot right now..I went through the same thing when I had major surgery in September..had to go off parnate (long story why I'm on Nardil now) and then had to wait until I was no longer taking pain meds..Does this mean you cannot take any pain meds at all while on Nardil? I know you can't take meperidine but what about others?
I am sorry about your surgery and the rough time you had. You had to go through the start up period and wait for it to work twice. I don't think I could do it.
>
> Please feel free to babblemail me any time you need to..I'll try to help you as much as I can..I know you probably still have a ton of questions..I know I did..it was scary for me to start Nardil, but I wish it had been the first AD not the last resort one..I hope it works for you..
> Be gentle with yourself during this transition and I'm here for you..Thank you so much for your help and encouragement and advice. I will try to be gentle with myself and I try to be objective telling myself just to wait it out but it's hard to be objective when you are in despair (as I am sure you well know).
Marsha
Posted by Phoenix1 on March 7, 2008, at 23:47:39
In reply to Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions, posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 15:32:38
Hi Marsha,
It will take a while for the Nardil to kick in. Give it time, and try to be patient. I know the SSRI washout can be nasty, but the symptoms really do fade a little each day. The brain zaps should fade too and be gone within a month or so.
I'm surprised you had constipation so soon. Treat it now. A stool softener is probably not enough. Miralax is quite mild, and very effective. Assuming you are in the US, you can get it OTC.
As for the insomia, ask for treatment now. It probably won't go away. And Klonopin (clonazepam) doesn't help much for sleep because of it's super-long half life. Watch your use of Klonopin. I was like you and doubled my prescribed dose when things got really bad. It made my depression way worse and I had a car accident. Klonopin is known for worsening depression. Eventually, I ended up in the hospital for the depression, caused by the combo of too much klonopin and wellbutrin.
As for the BP, there's not much you can do without a prescription. Talk to your pdoc about it, especially if you have bad orthostatic hypotension.
I understand the crying and feeling of despair. I really do. The whole process of stopping your AD and then not being on anything for 2 weeks is really hard. You are doing a good job though! Keep it up, and just be patient while waiting for the nardil to kick in. It really is a miracle drug if it works for you like it does for me! So unlike any other anti-depressant, in a wonderful, uplifting way.
Justherself54 and I talk regularly on babblemail since we are both relatively new to Nardil. You are welcome to babblemail me any time for anything.
Phoenix1
Posted by Justherself54 on March 8, 2008, at 8:03:42
In reply to Re: Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions » Justherself54, posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 21:48:11
> >I think the name for zopiclone is Imovane..as far as pain meds, tylenol and advil are OK but demerol can kill you. I wear a medic alert bracelet. You can have surgery on Nardil but my surgeon and my pdoc wanted me to stop to ensure I had the safest surgery possible..you can have surgery on Nardil, but there are risks to any surgery and being on an MAOI makes it even riskier. I wanted the safest surgery possible because I was under for over 3 hours. I'm not sure about serious paid meds such as morphine..but other babblers have more knowledge about it than me..
Nardil works for me for anxiety. I can't remember the last time I took clonazapam during the day. I still take a small dose at bedtime..I know what it's like when your anxiety levels are off the charts..I'd be on the phone to my pdoc bawling my head off..there has to be something better than clonazapam to get you through until the nardil kicks in..I know what you're going through and I wish there was something more I could do to help..
> > You need to talk to your doctor about something for your anxiety..I don't know if you've ever taken clonazapam, but it works well for me..and talk to him about something for sleep as a lot of people get insomnia from Nardil..I take zopiclone..I was taking seroquel also but have been able to stop taking it..I think the insomnia is easing up for me..but it was bad at first..
>
> What is the brand name for zopliclone?
>
> I already take clonazepam. In fact my anxiety levels have been so high I've been having to take much more of it than prescribed. 2mg of Klonopin is like an aspirin. I have been having to take as much as 8 or even 10mg a day to combat the anxiety. Something has to give here. Maybe the Nardil will serve as an anxiolytic.
>
> I am glad to know you were taking Seroquel and the Nardil still worked for you. I have been worrying that the Geodon I take might interfere with the Nardil.
>
>
> > I feel awful for you as you are in a bad spot right now..I went through the same thing when I had major surgery in September..had to go off parnate (long story why I'm on Nardil now) and then had to wait until I was no longer taking pain meds..
>
> Does this mean you cannot take any pain meds at all while on Nardil? I know you can't take meperidine but what about others?
>
> I am sorry about your surgery and the rough time you had. You had to go through the start up period and wait for it to work twice. I don't think I could do it.
>
> >
> > Please feel free to babblemail me any time you need to..I'll try to help you as much as I can..I know you probably still have a ton of questions..I know I did..it was scary for me to start Nardil, but I wish it had been the first AD not the last resort one..I hope it works for you..
> > Be gentle with yourself during this transition and I'm here for you..
>
> Thank you so much for your help and encouragement and advice. I will try to be gentle with myself and I try to be objective telling myself just to wait it out but it's hard to be objective when you are in despair (as I am sure you well know).
>
> Marsha
Posted by 4WD on March 8, 2008, at 15:46:25
In reply to Re: Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions, posted by Justherself54 on March 8, 2008, at 8:03:42
I wear a medic alert bracelet.
Where did you get your medic alert bracelet? Everywhere I check on the web, I can't find a place where I can just buy the bracelet. They all want a yearly fee to keep track of all my medical records, etc. I can't really afford that and don't need it. All I need is a bracelet that says I take Nardil.
> Nardil works for me for anxiety. I can't remember the last time I took clonazapam during the day.That's great news. I think it already may be helping some because yesterday I only had to take my prescribed dosage of anxiolytics - instead of taking twice as much.
I still take a small dose at bedtime..I know what it's like when your anxiety levels are off the charts..I'd be on the phone to my pdoc bawling my head off..there has to be something better than clonazapam to get you through until the nardil kicks in..I
Well, I complained to my pdoc that the Klonopin wasn't helping my anxiety so we tried Xanax. Disaster. I was taking 3 mg a day and more scared than on Klonopin. So we tried Valium. 10mg of Valium did nothing. But I accidentally discovered that if I take my 2mg of Klonopin along with 10 mg of Valium, it really helps a lot more than either alone. I don't know how my pdoc will feel about this but I will bring it up with him next time I talk to him. Meantime, I am doing what I have to do to stay sane. Now I can usually take 2mg of Klonopin and 10 mg of Valium and I am okay for the rest of the day. That a lot better ( a lot less meds than 6-8 mg of klonopin a day) though I do sometimes have to take a total of 4mg of klonopin plus the 10 of valium to get through. That's still a lot less than when I was taking 10mg a day of Klonopin. (just days ago).
know what you're going through and I wish there was something more I could do to help..
>You mentioned Babblemail. Are you sure it wouldn't be an imposition?
Marsha
>
>
> > > You need to talk to your doctor about something for your anxiety..I don't know if you've ever taken clonazapam, but it works well for me..and talk to him about something for sleep as a lot of people get insomnia from Nardil..I take zopiclone..I was taking seroquel also but have been able to stop taking it..I think the insomnia is easing up for me..but it was bad at first..
> >
> > What is the brand name for zopliclone?
> >
> > I already take clonazepam. In fact my anxiety levels have been so high I've been having to take much more of it than prescribed. 2mg of Klonopin is like an aspirin. I have been having to take as much as 8 or even 10mg a day to combat the anxiety. Something has to give here. Maybe the Nardil will serve as an anxiolytic.
> >
> > I am glad to know you were taking Seroquel and the Nardil still worked for you. I have been worrying that the Geodon I take might interfere with the Nardil.
> >
> >
> > > I feel awful for you as you are in a bad spot right now..I went through the same thing when I had major surgery in September..had to go off parnate (long story why I'm on Nardil now) and then had to wait until I was no longer taking pain meds..
> >
> > Does this mean you cannot take any pain meds at all while on Nardil? I know you can't take meperidine but what about others?
> >
> > I am sorry about your surgery and the rough time you had. You had to go through the start up period and wait for it to work twice. I don't think I could do it.
> >
> > >
> > > Please feel free to babblemail me any time you need to..I'll try to help you as much as I can..I know you probably still have a ton of questions..I know I did..it was scary for me to start Nardil, but I wish it had been the first AD not the last resort one..I hope it works for you..
> > > Be gentle with yourself during this transition and I'm here for you..
> >
> > Thank you so much for your help and encouragement and advice. I will try to be gentle with myself and I try to be objective telling myself just to wait it out but it's hard to be objective when you are in despair (as I am sure you well know).
> >
> > Marsha
>
>
Posted by 4WD on March 8, 2008, at 16:00:25
In reply to Re: Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions » 4WD, posted by Phoenix1 on March 7, 2008, at 23:47:39
> Hi Marsha,
>
> It will take a while for the Nardil to kick in. Give it time, and try to be patient. I know the SSRI washout can be nasty, but the symptoms really do fade a little each day. The brain zaps should fade too and be gone within a month or so.The brain zaps are not quite as bad as they were. Still nasty though. I am trying to be patient waiting on the Nardil. It's hard - I want to feel better now. I have been waiting for 4 years to feel better.
> I'm surprised you had constipation so soon. Treat it now. A stool softener is probably not enough. Miralax is quite mild, and very effective. Assuming you are in the US, you can get it OTC.I do live in the U.S. Actually I take Glycolax which is the prescription form of Miralax. If you can get your doctor to prescribe it for you, the drug copay is much cheaper than having to buy Miralax OTC.
> As for the insomia, ask for treatment now. It probably won't go away.So far, I'm not having insomnia. I went to bed last night at 11 and slept til 8:30 this morning only waking once during the night.I think the trazadone really helps in this area and I'd rathe take that than have to go on another addictive med like Ambien.
And Klonopin (clonazepam) doesn't help much for sleep because of it's super-long half life. Watch your use of Klonopin. I was like you and doubled my prescribed dose when things got really bad. It made my depression way worse and I had a car accident. Klonopin is known for worsening depression.
Yes, I've read here where Klonopin is a depressant. That's one reason I'm so anxious to cut down my dosage and eventually get off it or at least get down to the low range dosage. Benziodiapines scare me in general. Sometimes when I have taken more than prescribed, I feel like a zombie--but a scared zombie still. Most times though, I can take 4mg of Klonopin at once and not even tell I've taken it.
> As for the BP, there's not much you can do without a prescription. Talk to your pdoc about it, especially if you have bad orthostatic hypotension.So far it hasn't been a problem. Here's hoping it won't happen. I've read (I think it was just for herself who wrote it) that she didn't have the hypotension. So maybe it won't happen to me either.
> I understand the crying and feeling of despair. I really do. The whole process of stopping your AD and then not being on anything for 2 weeks is really hard. You are doing a good job though! Keep it up, and just be patient while waiting for the nardil to kick in. It really is a miracle drug if it works for you like it does for me! So unlike any other anti-depressant, in a wonderful, uplifting way.That gives me so much hope. It is so hard to be patient though when you are in despair. Although I feel okay right now and haven't had a crying jag today.
>
> Justherself54 and I talk regularly on babblemail since we are both relatively new to Nardil. You are welcome to babblemail me any time for anything.Are you sure Babblemailing you wouldn't be an imposition? I don't want to take too much of your time.
Thank you so much,
Marsha
Posted by Phoenix1 on March 8, 2008, at 16:44:38
In reply to Re: Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions » Phoenix1, posted by 4WD on March 8, 2008, at 16:00:25
> Are you sure Babblemailing you wouldn't be an imposition? I don't want to take too much of your time.
It's absolutely not an imposition. Feel free any time. I would be glad to talk to you.
Phoenix1
Posted by stargazer2 on March 8, 2008, at 18:50:11
In reply to Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions, posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 15:32:38
4WD...see my post above addressing constipation and low BP, two of my side effects on Nardil.
SG2
Posted by stargazer2 on March 8, 2008, at 18:50:19
In reply to Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions, posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 15:32:38
4WD...see my post above addressing constipation and low BP, two of my side effects on Nardil.
SG2
Posted by stargazer2 on March 8, 2008, at 18:50:24
In reply to Day 1 on Nardil: Few questions, posted by 4WD on March 7, 2008, at 15:32:38
4WD...see my post above addressing constipation and low BP, two of my side effects on Nardil.
SG2
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