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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Geezer on November 27, 2002, at 16:32:04
Has anyone had any positive results with Parnate? I have been on it for two weeks at 30mg and can't find much good to say for it. Other than making me very sleepy and chronic headaches (BP is normal), that's about it. Any and all suggestions welcome.
Thanks
Geezer
Posted by Anna Laura on November 28, 2002, at 3:24:55
In reply to Parnate????, posted by Geezer on November 27, 2002, at 16:32:04
> Has anyone had any positive results with Parnate? I have been on it for two weeks at 30mg and can't find much good to say for it. Other than making me very sleepy and chronic headaches (BP is normal), that's about it. Any and all suggestions welcome.
>
> Thanks
>
> Geezer
I've found the post below in the archives, hope it helps.http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990601/msgs/5671.html
Re: MAO ParnatePosted by Margo on May 6, 1999, at 16:36:01
In reply to Re: MAOI Parnate, posted by alli on March 19, 1999, at 19:19:18
> After many many trials of other antidepressants I've found that Parnate is the only one that helps my depression. Parnate tends to be a bit more activating than Nardil, and I guess Nardil is more common. The side effects have been kind of a pain for me because I had blood pressure problems before I started and parnate just makes them worse. On the other hand, as long as it works for my depression it could turn my skin bright blue for all I'd care. Parnate also has the benefit of taking away my social anxiety.
> The diet isnt too bad. The only thing I really miss is pizza. I've found that the same foods I need to avoid to prevent migraines are the ones that interact with MAOIs, so I'm used to it. The problem I have is that when I'm depressed I dont mind keeping the diet because I know the MAOI will help me feel better, but once my depression is gone the diet seems much more irritating.
> I have had a problem with really low blood pressure on Parnate, but my BP was unstable to begin with. Now I'm taking dexedrine to control tbe low pressure (and to treat a sleep disorder) and it seems to help.
I have taken Nardil (like Parnate) for years and it is a wonderful medication for me. However, I have gained a lot of weight despite exercising and trying to watch my weight which is difficult because nardil causes carbohydrate craving. Does anyone have any tips on how to lose some of this weight?
Posted by Geezer on November 28, 2002, at 11:24:18
In reply to Re: Parnate????, posted by Anna Laura on November 28, 2002, at 3:24:55
Anna Laura,
Thank you for your response, I am really at the end of the line with ADs. May try increasing the does slightly and try the augmentation strategies (T3&T4 or Lithium). I noticed Margo mentioned in her post she had low blood pressure and was taking dexedrine for a sleep disorder - wish I could use a pstim but that would be a risk for me with a normal BP of 130/80.
I can understand your concern about the weight gain with Nardil. Here again, I have lost weight with pstims but the loss was temporary because I build a tolerance quickly and tend to "abuse" dex. (not everybody does), then have to discontinue the drug and regain all the weight. In any case, I am sure you know, amphetimine would be very UNSAFE for you to use while taking Nardil, unless closely monitored by your doc.
Best regards,
Geezer
Posted by Anna Laura on November 29, 2002, at 5:29:36
In reply to Re: Parnate???? » Anna Laura, posted by Geezer on November 28, 2002, at 11:24:18
> Anna Laura,
>
> Thank you for your response, I am really at the end of the line with ADs. May try increasing the does slightly and try the augmentation strategies (T3&T4 or Lithium). I noticed Margo mentioned in her post she had low blood pressure and was taking dexedrine for a sleep disorder - wish I could use a pstim but that would be a risk for me with a normal BP of 130/80.
>
> I can understand your concern about the weight gain with Nardil. Here again, I have lost weight with pstims but the loss was temporary because I build a tolerance quickly and tend to "abuse" dex. (not everybody does), then have to discontinue the drug and regain all the weight. In any case, I am sure you know, amphetimine would be very UNSAFE for you to use while taking Nardil, unless closely monitored by your doc.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Geezer
Hi Geezer
The two posts i sent you have been both written by other people. I never took Nardil (and i wouldn't be concerned about weight gain in case it would work).
I'm actually on a Tegretol trial for bipolar depression and it's not working : i'm really discouraged.
Anyway, I've read somewhere in the archives that taking Memantine would counteract pstim tolerance.
Somebody did it with success (but i can't tell you who and when).wishing you the best
Posted by cybercafe on November 29, 2002, at 16:06:08
In reply to Parnate????, posted by Geezer on November 27, 2002, at 16:32:04
> Has anyone had any positive results with Parnate? I have been on it for two weeks at 30mg and can't find much good to say for it. Other than making me very sleepy and chronic headaches (BP is normal), that's about it. Any and all suggestions welcome.
>
> Thanks
>
> Geezerparnate worked great for me...
first had the stimulant effect
then that worse off and i was depressed for a month or so
then the MAOI effect kicked in, and relieved my depressionbeen off it for a week (so i can take a real stim) and had no
withdrawal effects ..... though i do sleep a bit more :)funny parnate makes you sleep more.. i think that is an atypical reaction
Posted by jsarirose on December 1, 2002, at 0:38:22
In reply to Re: Parnate????, posted by cybercafe on November 29, 2002, at 16:06:08
> parnate worked great for me...
>
> first had the stimulant effect
> then that worse off and i was depressed for a month or so
> then the MAOI effect kicked in, and relieved my depression
>
> been off it for a week (so i can take a real stim) and had no
> withdrawal effects ..... though i do sleep a bit more :)
>
> funny parnate makes you sleep more.. i think that is an atypical reaction
>I have heard of some people being more tired on Parnate. I think sometimes it can be caused by not sleeping as soundly at night. I have trouble sleeping and sometimes dream more on Parnate - but I take Trazodone which takes care of those problems for me.
I consider myself a Parnate success story. I've taken up to 100mg. Around 60mg I started feeling positive effects. And increasing the med increased the positive effect. At 100mg I reached my limit of handling the dizziness and low blood pressure though. From what I've read, you can go up to 130mg safely (as long as your blood pressure is okay and the side effects are tolerable). You may want to try pushing up the dose.
The only headache problems I've had are after hypertensive problems. I've made eating errors a few times in the year I've been on the drug. After the inital migraine and other effects, I seem to still have a residual headache for several days afterward.
Also - regarding the other posts and weight gain, I've heard Nardil is more responsible for this than Parnate. Many people (including me) lose weight on Parnate. It has really helped with my appetite and food obsessions.
And - after you have pushed the med as high as you can take it, don't forget about augmentation too.
-Jessica
Posted by cubbybear on December 1, 2002, at 4:25:52
In reply to Re: Parnate????, posted by jsarirose on December 1, 2002, at 0:38:22
> > parnate worked great for me...
> >
> > first had the stimulant effect
> > then that worse off and i was depressed for a month or so
> > then the MAOI effect kicked in, and relieved my depression
> >
> > been off it for a week (so i can take a real stim) and had no
> > withdrawal effects ..... though i do sleep a bit more :)
> >
> > funny parnate makes you sleep more.. i think that is an atypical reaction
> >
>
> I have heard of some people being more tired on Parnate. I think sometimes it can be caused by not sleeping as soundly at night. I have trouble sleeping and sometimes dream more on Parnate - but I take Trazodone which takes care of those problems for me.
>
> I consider myself a Parnate success story. I've taken up to 100mg. Around 60mg I started feeling positive effects. And increasing the med increased the positive effect. At 100mg I reached my limit of handling the dizziness and low blood pressure though. From what I've read, you can go up to 130mg safely (as long as your blood pressure is okay and the side effects are tolerable). You may want to try pushing up the dose.
>
> The only headache problems I've had are after hypertensive problems. I've made eating errors a few times in the year I've been on the drug. After the inital migraine and other effects, I seem to still have a residual headache for several days afterward.
>
> Also - regarding the other posts and weight gain, I've heard Nardil is more responsible for this than Parnate. Many people (including me) lose weight on Parnate. It has really helped with my appetite and food obsessions.
>
> And - after you have pushed the med as high as you can take it, don't forget about augmentation too.
>
> -JessicaAfter having experience with Parnate for nearly 18 years, I can certainly consider myself a success story. For me, this drug was a lifesaver many times. But you need to be patient: it usually took about 3-4 weeks to kick in. The only reason I had to discontinue it, was because I moved to a foreign country where it is not available (and it would take forever to describe how I overcame this problem).
On the other hand, I'm shocked regarding Jessica's assertions about dosage.If I were you, I would check that out thoroughly. Personally, I feel certain that maximum recommended dosage is about 50 or 60 mg. and no more.
I also had completely different experiences regarding side effects. I experienced weight gain and cravings for carbohydrates and sweets. I also felt a reduced need for sleep, so I could actually sleep less than "normal" but not feel tired. Everyone's reactions are different. So I can surely say Parnate is wonderful, but please do your homework on the proper dosage before going overboard.
Good luck! --Steve
Posted by Geezer on December 1, 2002, at 9:45:43
In reply to Re: Parnate????, posted by cubbybear on December 1, 2002, at 4:25:52
Jessica & Steve,
I want to thank you both for taking the time to respond to my post. Jessica - I have read some research studies where very high dose Parnate was used successfully. Steve - your warning about taking high doses of the drug is good advice well taken....I will exercise good caution.
Parnate has been a difficult drug for me to adjust to. I have had the stimulated feeling when I take it in the morning, take the second dose at noon or one PM, from 3:00PM until 9:00PM I am almost catatonic (nodding almost asleep, just stare into space, find it difficult to even talk to people). The sleep pattern has been a bit of a mess so perhaps trazadone would be a help. I am glad to know it takes a good deal of time for the drug to take effect....it seems forever when the depression is heavy. As for weight, I haven't noticed much change, probably too early to tell. I have two more ECT treatments to complete and hope the Parnate takes hold soon.
Once again, thank you both very much. If additional facts come to mind please pass them on.
Geezer
Posted by jsarirose on December 1, 2002, at 21:33:13
In reply to Re: Parnate???? » cubbybear, posted by Geezer on December 1, 2002, at 9:45:43
> Parnate has been a difficult drug for me to adjust to. I have had the stimulated feeling when I take it in the morning, take the second dose at noon or one PM, from 3:00PM until 9:00PM I am almost catatonic (nodding almost asleep, just stare into space, find it difficult to even talk to people). The sleep pattern has been a bit of a mess so perhaps trazadone would be a help. I am glad to know it takes a good deal of time for the drug to take effect....it seems forever when the depression is heavy. As for weight, I haven't noticed much change, probably too early to tell. I have two more ECT treatments to complete and hope the Parnate takes hold soon.
>
> Once again, thank you both very much. If additional facts come to mind please pass them on.
>
> GeezerI'm glad you're spreading out your dose. That was something I forgot to mention. First I took it twice a day and then split it into three doses per day. It was a bit of a pain to take, but I felt much better when I took my first dose upon waking, the second dose 3-4 hours later, and the third dose 3-4 hours after the second.
-Jessica
Posted by cybercafe on December 2, 2002, at 19:20:48
In reply to Re: Parnate????, posted by jsarirose on December 1, 2002, at 0:38:22
> > parnate worked great for me...
> >
> > first had the stimulant effect
> > then that worse off and i was depressed for a month or so
> > then the MAOI effect kicked in, and relieved my depression
> >
> > been off it for a week (so i can take a real stim) and had no
> > withdrawal effects ..... though i do sleep a bit more :)
> >
> > funny parnate makes you sleep more.. i think that is an atypical reaction
> >
>
> I have heard of some people being more tired on Parnate. I think sometimes it can be caused by not sleeping as soundly at night. I have trouble sleeping and sometimes dream more on Parnate - but I take Trazodone which takes care of those problems for me.
>
> I consider myself a Parnate success story. I've taken up to 100mg. Around 60mg I started feeling positive effects. And increasing the med increased the positive effect. At 100mg I reached my limit of handling the dizziness and low blood pressure though. From what I've read, you can go up to 130mg safely (as long as your blood pressure is okay and the side effects are tolerable). You may want to try pushing up the dose.
>
> The only headache problems I've had are after hypertensive problems. I've made eating errors a few times in the year I've been on the drug. After the inital migraine and other effects, I seem to still have a residual headache for several days afterward.
>
> Also - regarding the other posts and weight gain, I've heard Nardil is more responsible for this than Parnate. Many people (including me) lose weight on Parnate. It has really helped with my appetite and food obsessions.
>
> And - after you have pushed the med as high as you can take it, don't forget about augmentation too.
>
> -Jessica30 mg seemed to do nothing for me after the first month where the stimulant effects started to wear off
my doc wouldn't let me take more than 30 ..... but after another 1 - 2 months i started to feel a lot better ...
i have heard of people on nardil who didn't get the full anxiolytic effect till the third month ... so it seems like you have to be patient ...
btw jess any idea how long it takes to see a full recovery of acne from antibiotic use?
i'm starting to hang out at groups.yahoo.com/groups/rosacea-support
Posted by Geezer on December 2, 2002, at 21:46:11
In reply to Re: Parnate????, posted by cybercafe on December 2, 2002, at 19:20:48
Thanks cybercafe,
Started feeling a bit better today, the extreme sleepy period did not hit until 8:00PM this evening....that's a lot more acceptable than 3:00PM in the afternoon. Very unusual drug (not having any bad side effects other than sleepiness). Saw the pdoc today and got approval to add a third dose of 10mg - this will give a daily total of 40mg. You are both correct, a little extra patience is required to let the drug do its work.
Re: the acne antibiotic question. I developed adult acne a few years ago (for unknown reasons)- have been taking 100mg Minocycline in AM and 100mg PM for the past few years. Seems to give pretty good control...only an occassional outbreak. Topical treatments didn't seem to help much. The dermatologist advised not to bring hard pressure against the face (the only place I get the problem) like leaning your face on your hand.
Thanks again for the help,
Geezer
Posted by jsarirose on December 3, 2002, at 15:14:06
In reply to Re: Parnate????, posted by cybercafe on December 2, 2002, at 19:20:48
> btw jess any idea how long it takes to see a full recovery of acne from antibiotic use?
>
> i'm starting to hang out at groups.yahoo.com/groups/rosacea-support
>I keep meaning to check out the rosacea group, thanks for the reminder. As I recall, it did take a bit of time before the antibiotic started helping. Perhaps a month? I'm on Erythromycin, but tried Sulfa-meth which seemed to work even better, but it made me nauseas. If you don't see any improvement within 3 or 4 weeks you may ask for a stronger or different antibiotic.
-Jessica
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