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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by david maclean on July 16, 2003, at 5:18:54
I am being asked by my psch-doc to start on MAOIs. I am concerned that I may have real difficulty in keeping to the strict dietary regime.
If I eat the wrong food when taking MAOIs (Nardil 15mg for now) then I understand that my blood pressure may rise dramatically. I am already being treated by my GP for high blood pressure. The blood pressure is down to about 140/88 when I take blood pressure meds
I heard somewhere that patients on MAOIs should carry NIFEDIPINE with them for an emergency. Presumably nifedipine lowers blood pressure quickly.
Did people here who started on MAOIs carry nifedipine or something similar?
Should I get my psych doc to give me some? It is hard to get to see her but I will if I have to.
Thank you for any advice. Sorry to be such a worrier!
David
Posted by crazychickuk on July 16, 2003, at 11:09:58
In reply to Frightened of MAOIs - nifedipine?, posted by david maclean on July 16, 2003, at 5:18:54
have u tryed everything else such as ssri's snri's trylics etc? dont be w orried about it when u r on it u wont worry... just got to avoid high protein food and sofy cheeses and gone off food etc.. but if u do take it then sure ask for that stuff to lower ur blood preasure if it does happen to go up... but i would make taking a maoi as a last resort..
Posted by ross co on July 16, 2003, at 11:25:11
In reply to Frightened of MAOIs - nifedipine?, posted by david maclean on July 16, 2003, at 5:18:54
the diet is overstated. i eat anything i want except sharp chesses and sausage. stay away from them.
also if your so frightned get your pdoc to prescibe you 10mgs. of procardia. bite and swallow if you ever had a crisis.
it is so rare you will find out.
ross
Posted by SLS on July 16, 2003, at 13:27:39
In reply to Frightened of MAOIs - nifedipine?, posted by david maclean on July 16, 2003, at 5:18:54
> I am being asked by my psch-doc to start on MAOIs. I am concerned that I may have real difficulty in keeping to the strict dietary regime.
>
> If I eat the wrong food when taking MAOIs (Nardil 15mg for now) then I understand that my blood pressure may rise dramatically. I am already being treated by my GP for high blood pressure. The blood pressure is down to about 140/88 when I take blood pressure meds
>
> I heard somewhere that patients on MAOIs should carry NIFEDIPINE with them for an emergency. Presumably nifedipine lowers blood pressure quickly.
>
> Did people here who started on MAOIs carry nifedipine or something similar?
>
> Should I get my psych doc to give me some? It is hard to get to see her but I will if I have to.
>
> Thank you for any advice. Sorry to be such a worrier!
Hi David.It is good to have a healthy respect for MAOIs and their interactions with foods and other medications. I agree with the others that the diet is not nearly as restrictive as is often stated. I have been on high dosages of several MAOIs: Parnate, Nardil, Marplan, selegiline, and clorgyline. I never had a problem with cheese pizza and white wines. American cheese is OK. I'll see if I can find a diet list somewhere. While taking MAOIs, I carry around nifedipine (Procardia) just in case. One bonus of using Nardil is that it will probably *lower* your blood pressure.
- Scott
Posted by MelD on July 16, 2003, at 19:57:22
In reply to Frightened of MAOIs - nifedipine?, posted by david maclean on July 16, 2003, at 5:18:54
Being scared of the diet kept me from taking my pdocs recommendation to try an MAOI for over 10 years. When all else failed to lick my depression, i finally took Parnate. What you have been told be others is right - the diet is not nearly as restrictive as you might think. Best of all, i have experienced relief from depression - big time! Please stick with it. There is a terrific group where you can post any questions and concerns on MAOIs. And try the links, too. The diet there is up to date. Best of luck, and i promise you there is nothing to be scared of. Wish i had listened to my doc sooner. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/maois
Posted by david maclean on July 17, 2003, at 4:19:01
In reply to Re: Frightened of MAOIs - nifedipine?, posted by MelD on July 16, 2003, at 19:57:22
> Being scared of the diet kept me from taking my pdocs recommendation to try an MAOI for over 10 years. When all else failed to lick my depression, i finally took Parnate. What you have been told be others is right - the diet is not nearly as restrictive as you might think. Best of all, i have experienced relief from depression - big time! Please stick with it. There is a terrific group where you can post any questions and concerns on MAOIs. And try the links, too. The diet there is up to date. Best of luck, and i promise you there is nothing to be scared of. Wish i had listened to my doc sooner. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/maois
Thanks to everyone who is replying to me.
I must say that the Yahoo group mentioned above looks truly wonderful. How did I ever miss such a thing?
Are there any other groups, mailing lists or just general resources to do with MAOIs which I should be aware of? It seems I have been overlooking some important things.
Thank you to everyone.
David
This is the end of the thread.
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