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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jch on October 3, 2011, at 18:41:27
I have been taking ADs for over 35 years. The most effective was Marplan, which I took in the mid 80's; until my doc died. Tried multiple alternatives and combinations for about 10 years, as noone would try an MAOI. Had limited success. Finally found a psychopharmacologist, who after hearing my history said "Let's try an MAOI". I nearly cried, however Marplan was no longer available, so I tried Nardil. 60mg with 10mgs of Ritalin got me through some of the worst experiences in my life.
Then about 4 1/2 years ago my wellbeing sarted to fade, then plummeted. Have tried new Marplan and Parnate, with either no effect or bad effects. I have been in bed for most of the last three 1/2 years.
I have not been honest with my doc fearing that there was no answer to my dilemma.
Finally I weaned myself off Nardil, thinking that it was doing nothing; I spent days crying non stop. Returned to Nardil and started looking for answers. Found a number of suggested adjuncts,(many on this site) and as I had taken Wellbutrin for a year or so, with some success and no memorable side effects, I suggested this to my doc. I took with me a copy
of a paper c.2002, advising the effecacy of this combination. He read thru it, thought for a while and suggested we try Aplenzin. Started today 174mgs with 45 mgs Nardil. Wish me luck and I will report back.I got a lot of information from this site. I was so relieved to find that my most recent reaction to Nardil was not mine alone and that there were options to try. Thank you all.
Posted by pedr on October 4, 2011, at 0:02:49
In reply to Nardil plus Aplenzin, posted by jch on October 3, 2011, at 18:41:27
Hi jch,
So Sorry you are having such an awful time. Presumably you've been on higher doses than 45mg? I gather that 60mg is generally regarded as the lowest target dose for Nardil.
BTW I have had month-long success with both Provigil and abilify as augmentations to Nardil. Have you tried them?
Pedr
Posted by Lamdage22 on October 5, 2011, at 4:20:48
In reply to Nardil plus Aplenzin, posted by jch on October 3, 2011, at 18:41:27
Bupropion bromide? Interesting.. what are the differences/alleged benefits over hydrochloride?
Posted by jch on October 8, 2011, at 17:41:20
In reply to Re: Nardil plus Aplenzin, posted by Lamdage22 on October 5, 2011, at 4:20:48
It is supposed to have fewer side effects and possibly be more effective. I was on Wellbutrin in the early 90's, before the long acting and so took 4 a day spread out thru the day,real pain. It also gave me acid indigestion. Don't remember any other side effects, but wasn't very effective either.
Have added it to Nardil to help with new side effects since it went generic. Leaden legs, no motivation to do anything; have spent much of the last 3 years in bed, perfectly happy.
Have been on 174mg/day with 60mg Nardil(can't take more 'cause I faint a lot) for 6 days. Starting to feel some effects today. Monday I start on 358 mg; we'll see what happens. Wish me luck.
Posted by pedr on October 9, 2011, at 22:41:34
In reply to Re: Nardil plus Aplenzin, posted by jch on October 8, 2011, at 17:41:20
>> Leaden legs, no motivation to do anything.
That is where I'm at right now with Nardil. Keep us posted as to how it goes.
Pedr
Posted by jch on October 14, 2011, at 12:15:06
In reply to Re: Nardil plus Aplenzin » jch, posted by pedr on October 9, 2011, at 22:41:34
Well, I've been on 358of Aplenzin for 5 days and I am feeling much better. Yesterday I ran some errands and went shopping. I was returning something I had ordered on line ( for the last couple of years I have ended up donating 3/4 returns cause I couldn't get them packed up and to the p.o. within 30 days). I went to 3 shops I had been wanting to check out for a long time, and even though I was tired and my back hurt, then went to the Giant. At 7:30 pm! I was amazed.
I have noticed 2 new side effects; I get indigestion if I take it on an empty stomach and maybe a little constipation. That maybe due to not eating my regular Fiber One.
I take the Aplenzin at 4 or 5am, my dogs wake me up, then I go back to sleep; I take my first Nardil when I wake for the morning. By the way, I actually take 45 mgs of Nardil.
I keep forgetting to check my legs when I first awake, I obviously have more motivation. By the time I make my coffee my legs are fine. Before, I couldn't even make coffee some days.
I will report every few days or if anything unexpected happens.
Posted by pedr on October 14, 2011, at 14:45:48
In reply to Re: Nardil plus Aplenzin, posted by jch on October 14, 2011, at 12:15:06
wow that's great news. Having energy is such an amazing thing to experience when you've been without for so long. Keep us posted.
Pedr
Posted by jch on October 26, 2011, at 14:26:05
In reply to Re: Nardil plus Aplenzin, posted by jch on October 14, 2011, at 12:15:06
Almost three weeks, energy is better but not what I would wish, leaden legs come and go, new side effects. My tinnitus has gotten much louder, whereas I used to be able to fall asleep if the tv was on at a low volume, now I hear it all the time, tv or no. I have also developed problems peeing. I feel like I have to all the time and when I do go I have to concentrate in order to do it. It is kind of like urinary constipation. Neither of these is incapacitating but they both are irritating. If everything else were glorious I would put up with them. As it is I am going to talk to my doc about switching to Wellbutrin, since I had neither of these problems while on it in the past. Will let you know what happens.
This is the end of the thread.
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