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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tai Chi on October 3, 2004, at 11:59:21
I have struggled with depression for the past 35 years and finally went on Prozac in 1990. However, I soon developed treatment resistance, finding many drugs ( SSRIs, Effexor, Serzone, TCAs, Wellbutrin) either intolerable or ineffective. I did have a successful therapeutic run of four years with Remeron. After the Remeron gave out, I went through 8 months of hell trying different combinations of medications, as well as ECT. A little over a year ago, I started Nardil. Nardil has turned out to be a wonder drug for me, completely alleviating my anxiety and depression. I’m currently taking 45 mg a day.
I am curious that there seem to me few Nardil success stories posted here. In general, people prefer Parnate. I’d like to hear from other Nardil fans, especially those who have been on it a long time. Thanks.
Posted by King Vultan on October 3, 2004, at 12:16:31
In reply to Nardil success stories?, posted by Tai Chi on October 3, 2004, at 11:59:21
Well, mine wasn't a total success story, as I thought it was an effective antidepressant but had too many side effects at higher dosages than what you are taking. Your success may be partly due to the drug working for you at such a low dosage, as the higher you go, the more side effects there tend to be. For me at 45 mg/day, there were really no therapeutic or adverse effects, but I do believe that there was an effect on GABA due to the improved sleep I noticed the first few days I took it (I started right at 45 mg/day). However, since my anxiety levels really aren't very high to begin with, I can't really say I noticed much effect in this area at this dosage.
Todd
Posted by maddog on October 3, 2004, at 20:37:44
In reply to Nardil success stories?, posted by Tai Chi on October 3, 2004, at 11:59:21
> I have struggled with depression for the past 35 years and finally went on Prozac in 1990. However, I soon developed treatment resistance, finding many drugs ( SSRIs, Effexor, Serzone, TCAs, Wellbutrin) either intolerable or ineffective. I did have a successful therapeutic run of four years with Remeron. After the Remeron gave out, I went through 8 months of hell trying different combinations of medications, as well as ECT. A little over a year ago, I started Nardil. Nardil has turned out to be a wonder drug for me, completely alleviating my anxiety and depression. I’m currently taking 45 mg a day.
>
> I am curious that there seem to me few Nardil success stories posted here. In general, people prefer Parnate. I’d like to hear from other Nardil fans, especially those who have been on it a long time. Thanks.
>I'm on my eighth week of Nardil for anxiety and slight depression. I'm definitely feeling an improvement despite significant, but tolerable, side effects. I did not feel this level of success on Paxil which I felt helped slightly with depression but did little for general aniexity but did nothing at all for social anxiety.
I've read lots about long term success on Nardil on other sites. However, the people who use this sight tend to be those starting, switching or considering new drugs. Those who have had long term success with a drug may not find this site useful. That's only a guess based on the profile of posts I've read.
cheers,
maddod
Posted by gardenergirl on October 4, 2004, at 13:16:21
In reply to Re: Nardil success stories?, posted by maddog on October 3, 2004, at 20:37:44
I've been on Nardil for over a year now, and it is still working for me. I currently take 60 mg. I've also done well at 45 mg. When I tried to take it to 75 mg this summer during a particularly nasty depressive episode, it became intolerable. 67.5 mg was okay, but 60 mg seems best. I have atypical depression. I also have some significant anxiety of which I was unaware before starting Nardil. The effect I noticed right away was feeling confident for a change. I have some tolerable side effects, although if I could get rid of the the weight gain, I would be happier. Fortunately, it seems to be stabilizing again, and I am ready to make a conscious weight-loss effort now that depression has abated again.
BTW, I don't consider most recent depressive episode to be a relapse per se, or the Nardil pooping out. It was very situationally triggered.
Good luck to you.
gg
Posted by Tai Chi on October 4, 2004, at 18:20:13
In reply to Re: Nardil success stories?, posted by gardenergirl on October 4, 2004, at 13:16:21
Thanks for your message and encouragement!
Posted by ravenstorm on October 5, 2004, at 11:21:15
In reply to Re: Nardil success stories?, posted by Tai Chi on October 4, 2004, at 18:20:13
Tai chi--what side effects have you experienced?
Posted by Tai Chi on October 5, 2004, at 18:51:12
In reply to Re: Nardil success stories?, posted by ravenstorm on October 5, 2004, at 11:21:15
Side effects I have experienced on Nardil:
Upset stomach and bloating ( lasted about two months)
Insomnia: On 30mg, I was sleeping about 4-5 hours a night. On 45mg, I am now sleeping 7-8 hours a night.
Daytime drowsiness ( significant at 30mg, negligible at 45)
Orthostatic hypotension ( significant for about three weeks at 45 – fixed it by increasing salt intake)
Food and carbohydrate craving ( I've managed to control this by following an Atkins diet)
Decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm ( more noticeable at 45 – still working on this one)
You would think with all of the side effects, I would have given up long ago! They have not been as bad as they sound, and the alternative ( severe depression/anxiety ) is worse!
Posted by maddog on October 5, 2004, at 19:19:08
In reply to Re: Nardil success stories?, posted by Tai Chi on October 5, 2004, at 18:51:12
Currently I become quite faint when I climb stairs or get out of bed too quickly.
How much salt do you consume each day and has it completely eliminated the hypotension?
Secondly, have you experimented with taking your dosages at different times throughout the day to deal with insomnia?
thanks!!
maddog
Posted by ace on October 5, 2004, at 23:05:35
In reply to Nardil success stories?, posted by Tai Chi on October 3, 2004, at 11:59:21
Posted by jparsell82` on October 6, 2004, at 11:31:43
In reply to Re: Nardil success stories?, posted by maddog on October 5, 2004, at 19:19:08
It's good to hear these success stories! After trying everything else including Parnate. I've finally got my Nardil in today. I had to order it though because my pdoc doesn't feel comfortable prescribing it(he says it's an old-school drug). Anyways, it's Link Pharmaceuticals brand. And the other day I found a cheaper source for Nardil and ordered some from there too... it's listed as Parke Davis brand. Will there be any trouble using both? I ask, because I remember reading awhile ago about new and old versions of Nardil. Also, salt helps fix orthostatic hypotension? Thanks,
Josh
Posted by ravenstorm on October 6, 2004, at 12:10:57
In reply to Starting Nardil today... Link brand?, posted by jparsell82` on October 6, 2004, at 11:31:43
What happened when you tried parnate?
Posted by jparsell82` on October 6, 2004, at 13:10:56
In reply to Re: Starting Nardil today... Link brand?, posted by ravenstorm on October 6, 2004, at 12:10:57
Well, I thought I'd try Parnate first because it's more dopaminergic and I wanted something more stimulating. I had to discontinue Parnate after about 3 weeks because extreme fatigue and weakness. The fatigue was worse than any other AD I've tried except Remeron. I'm not sure why I had that reaction to Parnate... most people don't.
Posted by Tai Chi on October 6, 2004, at 16:28:26
In reply to Re: Nardil success stories?, posted by maddog on October 5, 2004, at 19:19:08
I actually haven’t tried to measure the salt. My doctor told me to eat the equivalent of a bag of chips a day. I have been salting my food fairly heavily. It really made a difference. In the beginning, I would wake up in the middle of the night and I could barely make a trip to the bathroom without falling over. In the morning, I was very weak and my vision was impaired. This is all gone away with the increased salt intake.
I take 15mg with every meal. I’m not sure this is the crucial factor for getting more sleep. My doctor is actually surprised that I am sleeping better on 45mg than on 30. Sorry I can’t help you more on this front. Good luck!
Posted by Tai Chi on October 6, 2004, at 16:31:43
In reply to Starting Nardil today... Link brand?, posted by jparsell82` on October 6, 2004, at 11:31:43
I started out with the old Nardil and then got the new one. I didn't notice any difference whatsoever . Yes, salt will probably help with the hypotension.
Posted by maddog on October 6, 2004, at 19:16:09
In reply to Re: Nardil success stories?, posted by Tai Chi on October 6, 2004, at 16:28:26
> I actually haven’t tried to measure the salt. My doctor told me to eat the equivalent of a bag of chips a day. I have been salting my food fairly heavily. It really made a difference. In the beginning, I would wake up in the middle of the night and I could barely make a trip to the bathroom without falling over. In the morning, I was very weak and my vision was impaired. This is all gone away with the increased salt intake.
>
> I take 15mg with every meal. I’m not sure this is the crucial factor for getting more sleep. My doctor is actually surprised that I am sleeping better on 45mg than on 30. Sorry I can’t help you more on this front. Good luck!
>
>That's very helpful -- a medical reason to eat chips! I love it.
Seriously, I'm going to start salting everything I eat since normally I don't use salt at all.
thanks!
maddog
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