Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 8673

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Marplan

Posted by robin on July 13, 1999, at 18:27:14

Has anyone had experience with this drug? Is it now back and available in the U.S.? Does it have a new name ? Any information would be appreciated. How does it compare to Parnate?

 

Re: Marplan

Posted by Judy on July 13, 1999, at 21:08:01

In reply to Marplan, posted by robin on July 13, 1999, at 18:27:14

> Has anyone had experience with this drug? Is it now back and available in the U.S.? Does it have a new name ? Any information would be appreciated. How does it compare to Parnate?

Robin,

Yes, Marplan is back and it is still called "Marplan." If you give me about two weeks, I can start providing some firsthand experience - I just picked up my prescription tonight. (Had some initial trouble with the pharmacy getting it. Their wholesaler still had it listed as a "discontinued" drug).

I've been told it's nowhere near as enervating as Parnate, but that's about it. Here's the manufacturer's website address if you want to browse the controlled studies results, etc. www.oxfordpharm.com/marplan.htm

I'll post my personal experience with Marplan as soon as I have some. Wish me luck!

Judy

 

Re: Marplan

Posted by ma on July 13, 1999, at 21:20:03

In reply to Re: Marplan, posted by Judy on July 13, 1999, at 21:08:01

Hi,
I took Marplan about 4 years ago, I think, up until the time it was discontinued. I had very good results with it and had a hard time trying to find something else that would work for me. I experienced a relapse and finally found Prozac worked, but not as well as Marplan.

Right now I'm on Wellbutrin and feeling rather well, knock on wood. If I experience another relapse I will gladly try Marplan again, even with the dietary precautions.

Good luck with it!

MA

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects, MA?

Posted by Judy on July 14, 1999, at 18:38:33

In reply to Re: Marplan, posted by ma on July 13, 1999, at 21:20:03

> Hi,
> I took Marplan about 4 years ago, I think, up until the time it was discontinued. I had very good results with it and had a hard time trying to find something else that would work for me. I experienced a relapse and finally found Prozac worked, but not as well as Marplan.
>
> Right now I'm on Wellbutrin and feeling rather well, knock on wood. If I experience another relapse I will gladly try Marplan again, even with the dietary precautions.
>
> Good luck with it!
>
> MA


I'm starting Marplan because I can't bear the side effects of Nardil, which is the only drug that has ever worked for my depression.

Tell me, please: Did it make you tired or energetic? (I don't care if I ever sleep again as long as I don't feel sedated) Sexual dysfunction? Urinary problems/constipation? Weight Gain?

What might I suffer in the beginning that I might become tolerant to down the road? Anything you can prepare me for after your years of experience with Marplan will be greatly appreciated.

Judy

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects, MA?

Posted by MA on July 16, 1999, at 17:57:00

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, MA?, posted by Judy on July 14, 1999, at 18:38:33

Judy,
It was a long time ago but the only thing I can tell you is I did not have any prominent side effects that I can remember clearly.

I was on it about two years and basically it made me feel normal. IN particular, I was abl e to handle stress very well and felt good about myself. It gave me a sense of well being.

So, the side effects for me were minimal.

MA

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects

Posted by Judy on July 16, 1999, at 18:20:17

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, MA?, posted by MA on July 16, 1999, at 17:57:00

MA - Thanks. I took my first pill this morning and can only hope it works as well for me as it did for you (minimal side-effects being the KEY here!) - Judy

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects

Posted by Annie on July 17, 1999, at 8:29:30

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, posted by Judy on July 16, 1999, at 18:20:17

> MA - Thanks. I took my first pill this morning and can only hope it works as well for me as it did for you (minimal side-effects being the KEY here!) - Judy

Judy, Keep us (me) posted on how the Marplan is working. Side effects, benefits etc. Alas, the selegiline patch study is over in less than three weeks and I probably will switch to Marplan. I would have liked to stay on the patch since this is the first time in years that something has helped, but doc said I will do better on a higher dose of MAOI. Good luck. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Annie

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects

Posted by Robin on July 17, 1999, at 9:26:21

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, posted by Annie on July 17, 1999, at 8:29:30

> > MA - Thanks. I took my first pill this morning and can only hope it works as well for me as it did for you (minimal side-effects being the KEY here!) - Judy
>
> Judy, Keep us (me) posted on how the Marplan is working. Side effects, benefits etc. Alas, the selegiline patch study is over in less than three weeks and I probably will switch to Marplan. I would have liked to stay on the patch since this is the first time in years that something has helped, but doc said I will do better on a higher dose of MAOI. Good luck. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
> Annie
Judy, I know its only been a couple of days for you on Marplan. Please tell us how you are feeling and side efeects so far. I am due to start Marplan next week. I'm a little nervous that I will feel drugged because so far everything I have tried has made me feel that way.
Robin

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects

Posted by JohnL on July 17, 1999, at 10:08:36

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, posted by Annie on July 17, 1999, at 8:29:30


Hi all. Interesting thread. I am interested in following Marplan experiences, side effects, etc., so please keep the posts coming when there is new info to share. I was curious though, why was Marplan originally banned? Why was it allowed to come back? Thanks. JohnL.

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects - Robin

Posted by Judy on July 17, 1999, at 10:22:13

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, posted by Robin on July 17, 1999, at 9:26:21

Robin,

It really is too soon to tell you anything. My doctor is making me start Marplan really slowly. One (10 mg) pill for two days, then two pills for two days and finally three per day (30 mg per day should be my maintenance dose).

Have you taken an MAOI before? I know you asked about Marplan's similarities to Parnate. I suspect the Marplan will kick in very quickly for me - when I get up to 30 mg. One of the beautiful things about an MAOI is that you can feel benefits within 1 - 2 weeks *IF* it's going to work for you. I've been on Nardil four different times over the past 12 years and it is a true wonder drug as far as my depression goes. Unfortunately, the side effects (urinary difficulties, constipation plus, NO sexual response whatsoever - pretty basically I am 'dead' from the waist down on Nardil even though my brain is at its best) always cause me to discontinue it.

I too have suffered the drugged/dopey/zombie side effects of every other AD I've ever tried. Definitely NOT a problem with Nardil and, I suspect, it won't be with Marplan. I have experienced some "jiggyness" everytime I've started Nardil (too soon to tell with Marplan), but it goes away within a week or less. My doctor allows .25 - .50 mg Xanax if I need it during this stage. Just the opposite of feeling drugged, I always had trouble falling asleep at night on Nardil, but .50 mg Xanax works perfectly (within a half hour at bedtime) and I would sleep pretty well for about 5 hours and awaken refreshed and ready to take on the world. (I personally love not wasting my life sleeping, so this was a great side effect for me!)

As I said - too soon to tell with the Marplan, but I'll sure keep you posted. What I'm hoping for from Marplan is a "kinder and gentler" Nardil as far as side effects go. MA's post to me above is a very good sign in that he/she expressed a feeling of well-being/contentment on Marplan. I'll definitely be in touch.

Judy

P.S. If this is your first go-round with an MAOI - make sure you get all the facts about the dietary restrictions (never was a big deal for me to stick with, although I sometimes would have killed for a pizza loaded with cheese and pepperoni; but the benefits of the drug far outweighed the loss of pizza from my life!)

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects - JohnL

Posted by Judy on July 17, 1999, at 10:38:59

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, posted by JohnL on July 17, 1999, at 10:08:36

Glad to see your name here this morning. I almost posted a "JohnL - Please check in!" message because I was worried about your absence. (Sorry, I'm a mother - The worry is built in!)

Marplan wasn't banned - somebody just wanted to make some money. As I understand it (this isn't Gospel, but close enough) Roche decided to sell their rights to Marplan to a company in the UK. The UK company chose not to continue Marplan sales in the US. Now a company named Oxford Pharmaceuticals in New Jersey owns the rights to Marplan and they received their approval to market it in the US last August and got it on the shelves in January of this year.

Like I said - probably not a totally correct explanation, but that's the basic gist. Judy

>
> Hi all. Interesting thread. I am interested in following Marplan experiences, side effects, etc., so please keep the posts coming when there is new info to share. I was curious though, why was Marplan originally banned? Why was it allowed to come back? Thanks. JohnL.

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects - Annie

Posted by Judy on July 17, 1999, at 11:15:48

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, posted by Annie on July 17, 1999, at 8:29:30

Annie - I gotcha covered - will let you know. Incidentally, I still have some left-over alfafa but I AIN'T gonna play that game again, trust me! Here's hoping the Marplan isn't another "cork"!

What a shame you can't stay on the patch if it's working for you. (only available for studies, right?). Maybe Marplan will let us all feel the "earth move" (then none of us will be showing up here anymore - we'll be busy elsewhere!! That's kinda sad! I guess we could start a 'You wouldn't believe what I did last night!" thread. Sorry, that was tacky!)

Stay tuned for news at 11! Judy

>
> Judy, Keep us (me) posted on how the Marplan is working. Side effects, benefits etc. Alas, the selegiline patch study is over in less than three weeks and I probably will switch to Marplan. I would have liked to stay on the patch since this is the first time in years that something has helped, but doc said I will do better on a higher dose of MAOI. Good luck. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
> Annie

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects

Posted by Elizabeth on July 17, 1999, at 21:13:50

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, posted by Annie on July 17, 1999, at 8:29:30

Judy,

I'll be interested to hear what Marplan does for you also. My therapist (an M.D.) says that it's his understanding that Marplan is well-tolerated. My psychopharmacologist says he has a colleague who loves Marplan and that he'll ask about side effects. I'm pretty set on switching to it sometime this summer.

30mg may not be enough, BTW...did you read the prescribing info?

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects

Posted by Judy on July 17, 1999, at 21:35:28

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, posted by Elizabeth on July 17, 1999, at 21:13:50

> Judy,
>
> I'll be interested to hear what Marplan does for you also. My therapist (an M.D.) says that it's his understanding that Marplan is well-tolerated. My psychopharmacologist says he has a colleague who loves Marplan and that he'll ask about side effects. I'm pretty set on switching to it sometime this summer.
>
> 30mg may not be enough, BTW...did you read the prescribing info?


Elizabeth,

Yeah - 50 mg seems to be the normal maintenance dose, but I tend to be chemical sensitive so we're gonna stop at 30 mg first and see what happens.

If you get any more good info, please share. I'll post more info as I experience it.

Judy.

 

Marplan Dosaage

Posted by MA on July 19, 1999, at 17:24:43

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, posted by Judy on July 17, 1999, at 21:35:28

Here's what my old package insert said about dosage.

The usual starting dose is 30mg to be given daily in a single or divided dose. MArplan has a cumulative effect and as soon as clinical improvement occurs, the dsage should be reduced to a maintenance level of 10-20 mg daily.

it was recommended that daily doses not exceed 30mg due to the increase in side effect.

I think I took 30mg, I'll have to check my archived records. I take notes on any medication I have taken since I began AD's in 1986. Quite a collection!

MA

 

Re: Marplan Dosaage

Posted by Judy on July 19, 1999, at 19:47:17

In reply to Marplan Dosaage, posted by MA on July 19, 1999, at 17:24:43

MA - Thanks so much for looking that up and posting it. My doctor must be reading the same info you have! I tend to get a lot more mileage out of medication (side effects mostly) than other people do, so I always have to start really slowly to make sure I don't fly right by the correct dosage. The controlled study data I read gave info on doses below 50 mg and over 50 mg - I don't even want to think about that! I like the idea of a single 30 mg dose - much easier.

I started AD's around the same time as you. Wish I had taken notes from the beginning, not only on meds, but on side effects and on my thoughts and feelings. I guess way back then it never occurred to me what a long road lay ahead of me (probably just as well!).

I'm only on day four of Marplan - second day at 20 mg - so I'm not feeling anything yet. Maybe a little bit of stomach upset, which seems to subside when I eat; but the weather's been so hot, I could just as easily blame the queeziness on that.

Your information is much appreciated. Judy


> Here's what my old package insert said about dosage.
>
> The usual starting dose is 30mg to be given daily in a single or divided dose. MArplan has a cumulative effect and as soon as clinical improvement occurs, the dsage should be reduced to a maintenance level of 10-20 mg daily.
>
> it was recommended that daily doses not exceed 30mg due to the increase in side effect.
>
> I think I took 30mg, I'll have to check my archived records. I take notes on any medication I have taken since I began AD's in 1986. Quite a collection!
>
> MA

 

marplan or parnate

Posted by Robin on July 19, 1999, at 20:09:43

In reply to Marplan Dosaage, posted by MA on July 19, 1999, at 17:24:43

> Here's what my old package insert said about dosage.
>
> The usual starting dose is 30mg to be given daily in a single or divided dose. MArplan has a cumulative effect and as soon as clinical improvement occurs, the dsage should be reduced to a maintenance level of 10-20 mg daily.
>
> it was recommended that daily doses not exceed 30mg due to the increase in side effect.
>
> I think I took 30mg, I'll have to check my archived records. I take notes on any medication I have taken since I began AD's in 1986. Quite a collection!
>
> MA

I am having a hard time trying to get Marplan have you used Parnate? What is the difference?

Thank You,
Robin

 

Availability of Marplan

Posted by MA on July 19, 1999, at 20:54:13

In reply to marplan or parnate, posted by Robin on July 19, 1999, at 20:09:43

I was made aware of Marplan's availability on this site. It is available through Oxford Pharmaceuticals. I was told to have your doctor call them at 877-284-9120 and give them the order for the medication.

Supposedly there is also a webite at www.oxfordpharm.com for more information. I haven't gone there myself but I have the address if I need more information.

All I know about Parnate is that it did not work for me. Nardil, another MAO, did work for me.
There are not all the same chemically.
Roche assumed that the people on Marplan could be treated with one of the other MAO's, being Nardil and PArnate. Although I responded to Nardil at one time it did not work after Marplan was discontinued.

To my knowledge, Roche discontinued Marplan as a "business decision" since it was not being used extensively, which was probably true since the newer SSRI's had been developed and had less side effects with no dietary restrictions.

Good luck to those of you trying it for the first time. When effective it works very well. I did not find the dietary limitations too problematic. Feeling better was more important than giving up certain foods.

 

Marplan Dosage; Marplan vs. Nardil vs. Parnate

Posted by Elizabeth on July 19, 1999, at 23:42:19

In reply to Marplan Dosaage, posted by MA on July 19, 1999, at 17:24:43

I think that the idea of a loading dose followed by a lower maintenance dose has been discredited. It used to be recommended that you decrease Nardil down to *15* mg (one pill) after it had started working, but then they found that keeping the higher dose prevented relapses better.

The more recent information suggests that doses of Marplan need to be higher than was previously thought. This might be why it was perceived by some as a weak antidepressant.

Seriously, I would go with the info that's on the web site, and not with a package insert that's based on studies from who knows how long ago.

About differences among the MAOIs: Nardil and Marplan are both derived from hydrazine, while Parnate is not. Parnate is similar to amphetamine. Nardil and Marplan, but not Parnate, decrease the metabolism of GABA as a result of their hydrazide groups (this can cause vitamin B6 depletion, though very rarely - you might ask your doctor about supplements).

Another hydrazide drug is isoniazid, which is a mainstay of TB treatment. I don't think it's psychoactive, though. (The first MAOI, Marsilid, was also a TB drug.)

 

Re: Marplan Dosage; Marplan vs. Nardil vs. Parnate

Posted by Robin on July 20, 1999, at 9:11:07

In reply to Marplan Dosage; Marplan vs. Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by Elizabeth on July 19, 1999, at 23:42:19

> I think that the idea of a loading dose followed by a lower maintenance dose has been discredited. It used to be recommended that you decrease Nardil down to *15* mg (one pill) after it had started working, but then they found that keeping the higher dose prevented relapses better.
>
> The more recent information suggests that doses of Marplan need to be higher than was previously thought. This might be why it was perceived by some as a weak antidepressant.
>
> Seriously, I would go with the info that's on the web site, and not with a package insert that's based on studies from who knows how long ago.
>
> About differences among the MAOIs: Nardil and Marplan are both derived from hydrazine, while Parnate is not. Parnate is similar to amphetamine. Nardil and Marplan, but not Parnate, decrease the metabolism of GABA as a result of their hydrazide groups (this can cause vitamin B6 depletion, though very rarely - you might ask your doctor about supplements).
>
> Another hydrazide drug is isoniazid, which is a mainstay of TB treatment. I don't think it's psychoactive, though. (The first MAOI, Marsilid, was also a TB drug.)

Since Marplan and Nardil are similar. Does Marplan cause weight gain like Nardil? Is it because it makes you hungry or does it slow down your metablolism?
Thank You,
Robin

 

Re: Marplan Dosage; Marplan vs. Nardil vs. Parnate

Posted by Elizabeth on July 20, 1999, at 14:33:39

In reply to Re: Marplan Dosage; Marplan vs. Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by Robin on July 20, 1999, at 9:11:07

> Since Marplan and Nardil are similar. Does Marplan cause weight gain like Nardil?

This is the big question! The rumor seems to be that it doesn't, but nobody can tell for sure. I hope not! I asked my pdoc to ask around and will let you know what he says.

>Is it because it makes you hungry or does it slow down your metablolism?

Possibly both. There definitely is a food craving aspect to it - I'm sort of embarrassed of some of the things I ate while on Nardil (basically, huge amounts of sugar in single sittings).

It's not exactly that Nardil makes you hungry, but it blocks the thing in your brain that tells you when you're *full*. (Don't ask me how it does this, please! All I know is it takes place in or near the hypothalamus.)

 

Re: Marplan Dosage; Marplan vs. Nardil vs. Parnate

Posted by JAIME on July 24, 1999, at 7:38:29

In reply to Re: Marplan Dosage; Marplan vs. Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by Elizabeth on July 20, 1999, at 14:33:39

> I used marplan from 1978 to 1986 it works fine for me. I increase my weight about 20 kilos or about 40 pounds in a very short period of time.
I DISCONTINUE the use because it was no available in Mexico.


> Since Marplan and Nardil are similar. Does Marplan cause weight gain like Nardil?
>
> This is the big question! The rumor seems to be that it doesn't, but nobody can tell for sure. I hope not! I asked my pdoc to ask around and will let you know what he says.
>
> >Is it because it makes you hungry or does it slow down your metablolism?
>
> Possibly both. There definitely is a food craving aspect to it - I'm sort of embarrassed of some of the things I ate while on Nardil (basically, huge amounts of sugar in single sittings).
>
> It's not exactly that Nardil makes you hungry, but it blocks the thing in your brain that tells you when you're *full*. (Don't ask me how it does this, please! All I know is it takes place in or near the hypothalamus.)

 

To Jaime

Posted by Judy on July 24, 1999, at 9:08:28

In reply to Re: Marplan Dosage; Marplan vs. Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by JAIME on July 24, 1999, at 7:38:29

Jaime - How are you??? I've wondered many times how you solved your Nardil problem. Did you try Parnate or something different? I just started taking Marplan myself but it has only been ten days so I don't know if it will work for me yet. Judy

> > I used marplan from 1978 to 1986 it works fine for me. I increase my weight about 20 kilos or about 40 pounds in a very short period of time.
> I DISCONTINUE the use because it was no available in Mexico.
>
>
>
>
> > Since Marplan and Nardil are similar. Does Marplan cause weight gain like Nardil?
> >
> > This is the big question! The rumor seems to be that it doesn't, but nobody can tell for sure. I hope not! I asked my pdoc to ask around and will let you know what he says.
> >
> > >Is it because it makes you hungry or does it slow down your metablolism?
> >
> > Possibly both. There definitely is a food craving aspect to it - I'm sort of embarrassed of some of the things I ate while on Nardil (basically, huge amounts of sugar in single sittings).
> >
> > It's not exactly that Nardil makes you hungry, but it blocks the thing in your brain that tells you when you're *full*. (Don't ask me how it does this, please! All I know is it takes place in or near the hypothalamus.)

 

Re: To Judy

Posted by JAIME on July 25, 1999, at 8:12:32

In reply to To Jaime, posted by Judy on July 24, 1999, at 9:08:28

Judy>
Thanks for your interest on me. I follow your advise concerning PARNATE> I begun to use 3 day then continue to 6 and so on until i reached 12 pills day. I sufferred from diziness very hard but until now desappear. My depression desappear and right now I am in 2 pills day. The main problem here in MEXICO is that is very difficult to find the PARNATE because nobody have it. I need to ask for it to USA and is very very expensive. I want to try with high concentrations of Saint Jhons Worth (It seems thai is a ligth IMAO) and I will be in contact with you. Again thanks a lot for your advise.

> Jaime - How are you??? I've wondered many times how you solved your Nardil problem. Did you try Parnate or something different? I just started taking Marplan myself but it has only been ten days so I don't know if it will work for me yet. Judy
>
>
>
> > > I used marplan from 1978 to 1986 it works fine for me. I increase my weight about 20 kilos or about 40 pounds in a very short period of time.
> > I DISCONTINUE the use because it was no available in Mexico.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > Since Marplan and Nardil are similar. Does Marplan cause weight gain like Nardil?
> > >
> > > This is the big question! The rumor seems to be that it doesn't, but nobody can tell for sure. I hope not! I asked my pdoc to ask around and will let you know what he says.
> > >
> > > >Is it because it makes you hungry or does it slow down your metablolism?
> > >
> > > Possibly both. There definitely is a food craving aspect to it - I'm sort of embarrassed of some of the things I ate while on Nardil (basically, huge amounts of sugar in single sittings).
> > >
> > > It's not exactly that Nardil makes you hungry, but it blocks the thing in your brain that tells you when you're *full*. (Don't ask me how it does this, please! All I know is it takes place in or near the hypothalamus.)

 

Re: Marplan Side Effects, MA?

Posted by dawna on August 15, 2000, at 9:15:40

In reply to Re: Marplan Side Effects, MA?, posted by MA on July 16, 1999, at 17:57:00

I read that Roche is not manufacturing Marplan any longer. Why do the pills that I just received from my pharmacy say "Roche" on them? Did they pull old pills out of the warehouse or something?! I have been on them for about one week, working up to 30mg at this point. I have felt flu like, experiencing headaches, etc....

Plus, I am feeling worse at this point than when I wasn't on it. I know it takes time to adjust and I am willing to do that, but don't want to be taking old meds.

By the way, Judy, are your pills orange with "Roche" on them? How are you feeling now? Is the Marplan starting to work for you yet?

Thanks.
Dawaa
> Judy,
> It was a long time ago but the only thing I can tell you is I did not have any prominent side effects that I can remember clearly.
>
> I was on it about two years and basically it made me feel normal. IN particular, I was abl e to handle stress very well and felt good about myself. It gave me a sense of well being.
>
> So, the side effects for me were minimal.
>
> MA

> Judy,
> It was a long time ago but the only thing I can tell you is I did not have any prominent side effects that I can remember clearly.
>
> I was on it about two years and basically it made me feel normal. IN particular, I was abl e to handle stress very well and felt good about myself. It gave me a sense of well being.
>
> So, the side effects for me were minimal.
>
> MA


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