Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 7977

Shown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Antidepressants

Posted by Jamie on June 29, 1999, at 9:27:15

Has anyone "ever" been on an AD or a combination that did not result in weight gain, insomnia or anorgasmia? I have been on Prozac for about 6 yrs. @ a dosage of 60mg/day and stopped because of the above named side effects. I found that the side effects were adding to my depression. Now it's been about 2 months that I've been without meds and not only am I depressed, it takes very little for me to go off the deep end with anger. What's worse, I know that I'm acting out of anger but can't seem to stop myself. I can't tell you the friendships I've totally ruined due to this. Now it's taking it's toll on my husband and children. It's almost as if I'm watching a movie except the main character is me......

 

Re: Antidepressants

Posted by Judy on June 29, 1999, at 19:49:00

In reply to Antidepressants , posted by Jamie on June 29, 1999, at 9:27:15

> Has anyone "ever" been on an AD or a combination that did not result in weight gain, insomnia or anorgasmia? I have been on Prozac for about 6 yrs. @ a dosage of 60mg/day and stopped because of the above named side effects. I found that the side effects were adding to my depression. Now it's been about 2 months that I've been without meds and not only am I depressed, it takes very little for me to go off the deep end with anger. What's worse, I know that I'm acting out of anger but can't seem to stop myself. I can't tell you the friendships I've totally ruined due to this. Now it's taking it's toll on my husband and children. It's almost as if I'm watching a movie except the main character is me......

Jamie,

I've watched that same movie through my own eyes many times. I wish, *I wish* I could give you (and every poster to this BB) the name of an AD that would do exactly what we needed to our brains while leaving the rest of our systems unaltered. Unfortunately, that is an answer we all have to search for by trial and error - and none of us ever seem to come up with the same answer.

What I DO suggest is that, if you have an AD that works for you even though the side-effects are nasty, go back on it right now and get your head straight so that you can make a rational decision as to what your next step should be.

I've been lucky enough to have Nardil as my "safety net." I can't tolerate its side-effects for more than 6 weeks before I give it up, but it works fast for me and I never feel better (mentally) than when I'm taking it. In fact, I am just weaning off of my 4th stint on Nardil - this time for five weeks. It allowed me to climb out of the black hole that I had let myself slip into (the same place where you have allowed yourself to fall right now) and gave me my mind back so that I was able sit and talk intelligently with my doctor about my next med (which will be Marplan after one more week of Nardil washout).

The Marplan may not work any better for me than any of the other AD's I've tried, but at least I didn't make my decision out of desperation (as I would have done from the black hole).

Not much advice - I'm sorry. The only other thing I have to offer you are my very best wishes. Be strong.

Judy

 

Re: Antidepressants

Posted by Elizabeth on July 2, 1999, at 4:33:07

In reply to Re: Antidepressants , posted by Judy on June 29, 1999, at 19:49:00

>Has anyone "ever" been on an AD or a combination that did not result in weight gain, insomnia or anorgasmia?

Prozac didn't do any of those to me in the 3 years I took it.

I seem to be doing pretty well on Parnate also. It was causing insomnia, but I started being more careful to take it only in the morning if possible (2 pills on waking, 1 more by noon). Since then, I've been able to stop taking sleeping pills every night, and as long as I maintain good sleep hygeine, I'm getting decent sleep. We'll see how long this lasts....

 

Re: Antidepressants

Posted by carly on July 14, 1999, at 10:34:08

In reply to Re: Antidepressants , posted by Elizabeth on July 2, 1999, at 4:33:07

> >Has anyone "ever" been on an AD or a combination that did not result in weight gain, insomnia or anorgasmia?
>
> Prozac didn't do any of those to me in the 3 years I took it.
>
> I seem to be doing pretty well on Parnate also. It was causing insomnia, but I started being more careful to take it only in the morning if possible (2 pills on waking, 1 more by noon). Since then, I've been able to stop taking sleeping pills every night, and as long as I maintain good sleep hygeine, I'm getting decent sleep. We'll see how long this lasts....

I've tried lots of meds and didn't like the side effects. I started taking Serzone two years ago. I love it I am feeling better then ever. It doexn't effect your sex life and no weight gain. It does cause some constapation but I drink prune juice every night. Check Serzone out. I currently take 150 mg Am and 400 mg pm.

 

Re: Antidepressants

Posted by Robin on July 17, 1999, at 9:20:53

In reply to Re: Antidepressants , posted by carly on July 14, 1999, at 10:34:08

Did Parnate cause any weight gain? What doseages to you take ?

 

Re: Antidepressants

Posted by Elizabeth on July 17, 1999, at 18:38:31

In reply to Re: Antidepressants , posted by Robin on July 17, 1999, at 9:20:53

> Did Parnate cause any weight gain? What doseages to you take ?

No weight gain, though I did regain some of what I'd lost while depressed. I take 30mg/day ("one pill" = 10mg - they only come in one dosage strength).

 

Re: Antidepressants

Posted by Jamie on July 26, 1999, at 13:52:26

In reply to Antidepressants , posted by Jamie on June 29, 1999, at 9:27:15

> Has anyone "ever" been on an AD or a combination that did not result in weight gain, insomnia or anorgasmia? I have been on Prozac for about 6 yrs.

I have restarted my Prozac after being off for about 5 months. I have a new psychiatrist and after a review of the side effects I have been experiencing, he has recommended adding Wellbutrin to my Prozac dosage. We are starting off with the Prozac alone then within 3 wks after I have moved back up to the 60mg I was taking before we will begin adding the Wellbutrin. God, I hope this works because I don't want to feel like a guinea pig for too long. Anyone with experience on this combo?

 

Re: Antidepressants

Posted by JohnL on July 26, 1999, at 15:02:21

In reply to Re: Antidepressants , posted by Jamie on July 26, 1999, at 13:52:26

I am taking Prozac w/Wellbutrin. I would think this combo would be more activating than it is. No sedation like so many others though. Hard to say if you'll have weight gain. Theoretically you shouldn't. Anorgasmia likely, but there is a way to help with that. Insomnia likely, also a way to help. First, for insomnia, a small dose of Remeron or maybe Trazodone will let you sleep, and boost the Prozac as well, perhaps allowing you to go with less than 60mg. For sex, the Wellbutrin helps me a lot, especially for drive. Also, there is a theory that the steady state of Prozac (fluoxetine) is what causes the sex problems, and that its metabolite (norfluoxetine) doesn't. Both are equally active on serotonin, and the half life of norfluoxetine is about a week. So, the theory is to dose once every two, three, or more days rather than daily. The theory seems to be working fine with me. Maybe you would be fine with 40-80mg every two days? Worth a try? I do 40mg every two days and have great sex. It does take longer, but it ends with a fireworks, not a whimper like other drugs did. Another consideration might be Naltrexone, which for some people who took 80mg Prozac a day allowed them to go all the way down to 20mg and be better than ever. I don't think there is a way to eliminate all side effects, but these are some ways to treat them and boost the antidepressant treatment simultaneously. Prozac is very flexible for manipulation. Hope this helps? JohnL.

 

Re: Antidepressants

Posted by RG on July 26, 1999, at 18:25:09

In reply to Re: Antidepressants , posted by RG on July 26, 1999, at 18:24:28

> > > Has anyone "ever" been on an AD or a combination that did not result in weight gain, insomnia or anorgasmia? I have been on Prozac for about 6 yrs.
> >
> > I have restarted my Prozac after being off for about 5 months. I have a new psychiatrist and after a review of the side effects I have been experiencing, he has recommended adding Wellbutrin to my Prozac dosage. We are starting off with the Prozac alone then within 3 wks after I have moved back up to the 60mg I was taking before we will begin adding the Wellbutrin. God, I hope this works because I don't want to feel like a guinea pig for too long. Anyone with experience on this combo?

Try adding Buspar. That helped restore my Libido.

 

Re: Antidepressants

Posted by CM on July 26, 1999, at 23:07:08

In reply to Antidepressants , posted by Jamie on June 29, 1999, at 9:27:15

I was switched to Wellbutrin and LOVE IT .. and did I mention I quit smoking while on it, and still didnt gain weight?

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate)

Posted by Steve on August 1, 1999, at 11:41:11

In reply to Re: Antidepressants , posted by Elizabeth on July 2, 1999, at 4:33:07

It's seems that Parnate though is so dangerous- I just read all of the precautions. How confortable do you feel taking it?

> Prozac didn't do any of those to me in the 3 years I took it.
>
> I seem to be doing pretty well on Parnate also. It was causing insomnia, but I started being more careful to take it only in the morning if possible (2 pills on waking, 1 more by noon). Since then, I've been able to stop taking sleeping pills every night, and as long as I maintain good sleep hygeine, I'm getting decent sleep. We'll see how long this lasts....

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate)

Posted by Elizabeth on August 1, 1999, at 20:47:14

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate), posted by Steve on August 1, 1999, at 11:41:11

> It's seems that Parnate though is so dangerous- I just read all of the precautions. How confortable do you feel taking it?

It's not very dangerous really. I'm super-sensitive to the cardiovascular effects (I get high blood pressure if I take too much of it in a single dose - I've actually had to go to taking 10mg three times a day), but otherwise it's fine. (Most people do not have the problems with it that I do.) I've ranted on this board many times about the overly-restrictive diets most people are told to go on; you can find said posts in the archives under various MAOI-related threads.

The biggest danger with Parnate, IMHO, is that of accidentally being given Demerol or other bad stuff by a doctor who doesn't know you're on it.

In combination with low-dose lithium, it seems to have done away with my depression completely.

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate)

Posted by dr-rock on August 12, 1999, at 1:33:59

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate), posted by Elizabeth on August 1, 1999, at 20:47:14

I have had unremitting depression for years, some relationship to Desert Storm.

Parnate is a god send. It has eliminated about 75% of the symptoms. I take 20 mg in am and 20 mg at noon.

The problem: incredible insomnia. Nothing seems to work. Currently taking 40 mgs of valium at night. If I am luck I get 5 hours sleep before wide awake, usually 4 hours more common. In bed at 11:00 pm, wake up fully rested and alert between 3:00 am and 4:00 am and can't get back to sleep. I can find no resources anywhere. Suggestions or recommendations. Considering I work from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm frequetly it is a real problem.

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate)

Posted by Michael on August 14, 1999, at 23:10:41

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate), posted by dr-rock on August 12, 1999, at 1:33:59

> I have had unremitting depression for years, some relationship to Desert Storm.
>
> Parnate is a god send. It has eliminated about 75% of the symptoms. I take 20 mg in am and 20 mg at noon.
>
> The problem: incredible insomnia. Nothing seems to work. Currently taking 40 mgs of valium at night. If I am luck I get 5 hours sleep before wide awake, usually 4 hours more common. In bed at 11:00 pm, wake up fully rested and alert between 3:00 am and 4:00 am and can't get back to sleep. I can find no resources anywhere. Suggestions or recommendations. Considering I work from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm frequetly it is a real problem.

I have been taking Parnate off and on for 10 years. Currently take 80mg daily. I have had great results with Trazodone for sleep (150mg). Good luck.

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) diet & sleep

Posted by Kim on August 29, 1999, at 3:17:54

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate), posted by Michael on August 14, 1999, at 23:10:41

I have been on Parnate almost 3 years. The first time I forgot the dietary restrictions and ate a piece of pizza I expected the worst. Nothing happened. Now I cautiously ignore them. By that I mean that I don't go out of my way to eat things I shouldn't; and if I eat something on the restricted list, I do it in small quantities and watch for any side effects. I don't drink wine, and completely avoid "aged" cheese--which are supposed to be 2 of the worst. (I am not advocating that anyone else do this, I'm just sharing my experience.)

As for sleep problems, I have found that 20 mg. of temazepam allows me 8 hours of sleep with not a lot of residual fatigue the next day.
Kim

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) diet & sleep

Posted by Michael on August 31, 1999, at 20:17:45

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) diet & sleep, posted by Kim on August 29, 1999, at 3:17:54

> I have been on Parnate almost 3 years. The first time I forgot the dietary restrictions and ate a piece of pizza I expected the worst. Nothing happened. Now I cautiously ignore them. By that I mean that I don't go out of my way to eat things I shouldn't; and if I eat something on the restricted list, I do it in small quantities and watch for any side effects. I don't drink wine, and completely avoid "aged" cheese--which are supposed to be 2 of the worst. (I am not advocating that anyone else do this, I'm just sharing my experience.)
>
> As for sleep problems, I have found that 20 mg. of temazepam allows me 8 hours of sleep with not a lot of residual fatigue the next day.
> Kim

I have been on Parnate for most of past 11 years. As a result of reading several studies, getting info from doctors, and pushing the envelope a bit, I basically eat and drink anything I like. I do avoid forbidden things that I can take or leave. Like Kim said, I'm not advocating this. I just don't want the "theorical dietary restrictions" to keep anyone from trying this medicine if they fit the profile. I avoided it for several years for that reason.

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP

Posted by Robin on September 1, 1999, at 16:44:15

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) diet & sleep, posted by Michael on August 31, 1999, at 20:17:45

> > I have been on Parnate almost 3 years. The first time I forgot the dietary restrictions and ate a piece of pizza I expected the worst. Nothing happened. Now I cautiously ignore them. By that I mean that I don't go out of my way to eat things I shouldn't; and if I eat something on the restricted list, I do it in small quantities and watch for any side effects. I don't drink wine, and completely avoid "aged" cheese--which are supposed to be 2 of the worst. (I am not advocating that anyone else do this, I'm just sharing my experience.)
> >
> > As for sleep problems, I have found that 20 mg. of temazepam allows me 8 hours of sleep with not a lot of residual fatigue the next day.
> > Kim
>
> I have been on Parnate for most of past 11 years. As a result of reading several studies, getting info from doctors, and pushing the envelope a bit, I basically eat and drink anything I like. I do avoid forbidden things that I can take or leave. Like Kim said, I'm not advocating this. I just don't want the "theorical dietary restrictions" to keep anyone from trying this medicine if they fit the profile. I avoided it for several years for that reason.

I have been on Parnate for 2 weeks and I have the headache from hell. I am also dizzy. Please tell me that these side effects will fade because I really think already Parnate has made a difference. Any suggestions? My vision is also strange its like I see black spots. I am taking 40mgs.

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP

Posted by Michael on September 2, 1999, at 11:11:24

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP, posted by Robin on September 1, 1999, at 16:44:15

> > > I have been on Parnate almost 3 years. The first time I forgot the dietary restrictions and ate a piece of pizza I expected the worst. Nothing happened. Now I cautiously ignore them. By that I mean that I don't go out of my way to eat things I shouldn't; and if I eat something on the restricted list, I do it in small quantities and watch for any side effects. I don't drink wine, and completely avoid "aged" cheese--which are supposed to be 2 of the worst. (I am not advocating that anyone else do this, I'm just sharing my experience.)
> > >
> > > As for sleep problems, I have found that 20 mg. of temazepam allows me 8 hours of sleep with not a lot of residual fatigue the next day.
> > > Kim
> >
> > I have been on Parnate for most of past 11 years. As a result of reading several studies, getting info from doctors, and pushing the envelope a bit, I basically eat and drink anything I like. I do avoid forbidden things that I can take or leave. Like Kim said, I'm not advocating this. I just don't want the "theorical dietary restrictions" to keep anyone from trying this medicine if they fit the profile. I avoided it for several years for that reason.
>
> I have been on Parnate for 2 weeks and I have the headache from hell. I am also dizzy. Please tell me that these side effects will fade because I really think already Parnate has made a difference. Any suggestions? My vision is also strange its like I see black spots. I am taking 40mgs.

For Robin
Your dizziness should subside. This should subside. Avoid quick starts and stops and other abrupt movements. The headaches appear to be a reaction to food or other medicine. The next time you have a bad headache, get your blood pressure checked right away.

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP

Posted by Kim on September 2, 1999, at 23:13:58

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP, posted by Michael on September 2, 1999, at 11:11:24

Robin,
I think the dizziness will probably go away (drink plenty of liquids & try not to stand up quickly). The headache, especially with the black spots, sounds like classic migraine symptoms to me--is the headache one-sided? I would be more worried about the headache than about the dizziness (although I did once stand up very quickly and fainted, giving myself a rug burn on my nose!) Although I violate the dietary guidelines, I am very cautious about not taking any OTC medications with any kind of decongestant (Sudaphed, etc.) or dextromethoraphan (Robitussin DM) Is there a pharmacy nearby that has one of the do-it-yourself blood pressure machines? My doctor said it was okay to use them as a general indication of whether my pressure was high or low. It could be an option the next time you have a headache just to check before you feel like you have to run off to the ER. I wouldn't ignore the headaches, though, since they are "THE" symptom of MAOI problems.

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP

Posted by Robin on September 4, 1999, at 9:40:06

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP, posted by Michael on September 2, 1999, at 11:11:24

> > > > I have been on Parnate almost 3 years. The first time I forgot the dietary restrictions and ate a piece of pizza I expected the worst. Nothing happened. Now I cautiously ignore them. By that I mean that I don't go out of my way to eat things I shouldn't; and if I eat something on the restricted list, I do it in small quantities and watch for any side effects. I don't drink wine, and completely avoid "aged" cheese--which are supposed to be 2 of the worst. (I am not advocating that anyone else do this, I'm just sharing my experience.)
> > > >
> > > > As for sleep problems, I have found that 20 mg. of temazepam allows me 8 hours of sleep with not a lot of residual fatigue the next day.
> > > > Kim
> > >
> > > I have been on Parnate for most of past 11 years. As a result of reading several studies, getting info from doctors, and pushing the envelope a bit, I basically eat and drink anything I like. I do avoid forbidden things that I can take or leave. Like Kim said, I'm not advocating this. I just don't want the "theorical dietary restrictions" to keep anyone from trying this medicine if they fit the profile. I avoided it for several years for that reason.
> >
> > I have been on Parnate for 2 weeks and I have the headache from hell. I am also dizzy. Please tell me that these side effects will fade because I really think already Parnate has made a difference. Any suggestions? My vision is also strange its like I see black spots. I am taking 40mgs.
>
> For Robin
> Your dizziness should subside. This should subside. Avoid quick starts and stops and other abrupt movements. The headaches appear to be a reaction to food or other medicine. The next time you have a bad headache, get your blood pressure checked right away.


Thank You to those who have responded to my post on this board. I have a few more questions is the dizziness with Parnate because it lowers your blood pressure? How long do you think before it goes away. I could not even make it to work yesterday.How many mgs is the average dose? Do you think it hurts to take them all at once? Is ther anything to raise blood pressure to help with the dizziness?

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP

Posted by Michael on September 4, 1999, at 21:40:56

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP, posted by Robin on September 4, 1999, at 9:40:06

> > > > > I have been on Parnate almost 3 years. The first time I forgot the dietary restrictions and ate a piece of pizza I expected the worst. Nothing happened. Now I cautiously ignore them. By that I mean that I don't go out of my way to eat things I shouldn't; and if I eat something on the restricted list, I do it in small quantities and watch for any side effects. I don't drink wine, and completely avoid "aged" cheese--which are supposed to be 2 of the worst. (I am not advocating that anyone else do this, I'm just sharing my experience.)
> > > > >
> > > > > As for sleep problems, I have found that 20 mg. of temazepam allows me 8 hours of sleep with not a lot of residual fatigue the next day.
> > > > > Kim
> > > >
> > > > I have been on Parnate for most of past 11 years. As a result of reading several studies, getting info from doctors, and pushing the envelope a bit, I basically eat and drink anything I like. I do avoid forbidden things that I can take or leave. Like Kim said, I'm not advocating this. I just don't want the "theorical dietary restrictions" to keep anyone from trying this medicine if they fit the profile. I avoided it for several years for that reason.
> > >
> > > I have been on Parnate for 2 weeks and I have the headache from hell. I am also dizzy. Please tell me that these side effects will fade because I really think already Parnate has made a difference. Any suggestions? My vision is also strange its like I see black spots. I am taking 40mgs.
> >
> > For Robin
> > Your dizziness should subside. This should subside. Avoid quick starts and stops and other abrupt movements. The headaches appear to be a reaction to food or other medicine. The next time you have a bad headache, get your blood pressure checked right away.
>
>
>
>
> Thank You to those who have responded to my post on this board. I have a few more questions is the dizziness with Parnate because it lowers your blood pressure? How long do you think before it goes away. I could not even make it to work yesterday.How many mgs is the average dose? Do you think it hurts to take them all at once? Is ther anything to raise blood pressure to help with the dizziness?

To Robin:
Yes, the dizziness is related to the lowering of blood pressure. I believe the average dose is about 40 mg per day although I'm up to 70. Most doctors recommend a divided dose with 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 in mid afternoon. That seems to minimize the side effects as well as giving a "boost" later in the day. I know some people are very sensitive to the drop in blood pressure and many are not. Try to hang in there, though. It's a good drug, especially for refractory patients.

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP

Posted by Elizabeth on September 6, 1999, at 1:10:59

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP, posted by Michael on September 4, 1999, at 21:40:56

Hi everyone. A few thoughts....

About the "prohibited" slice of pizza: the following is an article I've been meaning to go look up:

Shulman KI, et al.
Refining the MAOI diet: tyramine content of pizzas and soy products.
J Clin Psychiatry. 1999 Mar;60(3):191-3.

Basically the abstract says that apparently most pizza is actually okay, at least in moderation. This does not mean that all other foods (especially cheese-containing ones) are okay as well, however. I have my own list (based on some pretty thorough (IMHO) research I've done) that I keep to; it really doesn't interfere with my life at all. (Yes, I do drink Chianti wines.)

About headaches: a hypertensive headache is very distinctive. It hurts the worst at the back of your head and may radiate out; your scalp may also feel tingly. It is *not* one-sided or at the front of your head. It may be accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, sweating, etc. It doesn't last for weeks. Usually your BP will go down on its own actually, but it's extremely important to have a plan worked out with your doc as to what you will do, especially if the headache is severe. (Generally severity of headache seems to be proportional to the rise in BP.)

Headaches can be associated with *low* blood pressure too, especially if accompanied by dizziness, dimming of vision, etc., if they get worse when you stand, that kind of thing. I've gotten this sometimes. Drink more fluids, eat more salt.

The basic minimal effective dose of Parnate is supposed to be 30mg; some people who are extra sensitive to it take 20mg. The official recommended maximum is 60mg. Some doctors will go up to 100mg or more.

I take 30mg (because I'm sensitive to the sympathomimetic effects) plus 600mg lithium augmentation.

 

Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP

Posted by Kim on September 13, 1999, at 1:22:43

In reply to Re: Antidepressants (Parnate) HELP, posted by Elizabeth on September 6, 1999, at 1:10:59

Elizabeth--Thanks for the good description of Parnate headache. Now at least I know when to worry!
Robin--I have always had low blood pressure and the parnate made it much worse at first as far as dizziness. I haven't ever had headaches like those Elizabeth described, or headaches that I attribute to the parnate in any way.

I am on a 40 mg divided dose of parnate; half in the morning and half in the afternoon. I am also taking 45 mg dexedrine, 15 mg visken, and 30 mg temazepam. I was up to 60 mg parnate until adding the visken; then we lowered the parnate dose. Lithium augmentation didn't work--second time I've tried lithium and it is bad news for me.


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