Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 405595

Shown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!!

Posted by Cinderella on October 21, 2004, at 16:52:28

Hi everyone...remember me? I started the Zoloft back in August and it has just turned me into a nice, numb cuddly person who's always smiling and always the same and now...8 lbs heavier! I know 8 lbs doesn't seem like alot but I am a dancer and keeping my slender shape is important to me. Last week, I tried to lose it. I went on a 1400 calorie diet and did an extra 30 minutes on the eliptical trainer everyday. (I'm very disciplined.) I watched EVERYTHING that went in my mouth and counted calories precisely in order that I should lose a pound in a week. I LOST NOTHING and I am starving. Today I said, "screw this" and ate 2 blocks of the Eagle Brand fudge my husband made last weekend. It was wonderful! I feel fat and unsexy though and I HATE not being interested in sex. My doctor actually wants me to increase my Zoloft dose now to 100 mgs for pain control for my arthritis! NO WAY. I'm beginning to think I'd rather be thin and unhappy than keep gaining weight like this. I want off of Zoloft. Maybe I can ask my doc about going on Wellbutrin. Anyone else tried to lose weight while on these dang SSRI's??????

 

Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » Cinderella

Posted by jlbl2l on October 21, 2004, at 19:23:05

In reply to I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!!, posted by Cinderella on October 21, 2004, at 16:52:28

try adding about 200mg of the medicine "Topamax" or "Zonegran" with the zoloft. They are anti-seizure meds that are used off-label for weight loss. They cause significant weight loss.

 

Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!!

Posted by Stressee on October 21, 2004, at 20:22:27

In reply to Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » Cinderella, posted by jlbl2l on October 21, 2004, at 19:23:05

Ok, here is my two cents worth. I took Zoloft for several years and didn't gain any weight. I am a fitness professional and surely don't need that either. My friend gained around five pounds on it, and after going off, lost it.(She did watch her food intake, and she is a pretty heavy weight lifter/swimmer). After going off Zoloft because of the sexual side effects, I then took Lexapro. Bad, Bad, Bad. I was happy as anyone, but sexual side effects were worse. Off, that and on Wellbutrin 300mg per day, no sexual side effects, in fact the opposite this time. I don't think Wellbutrin is working for me as far as depression and anxiety, so I'm thinking of asking my dr. to change my medication. Several years ago (12 actually) I took Prozac, for severe post partum despression. Looking back, I think that may have been the best for me, but the search cont. My daughter took Lexapro 40mg. for around three months, and I emagine she put on 10 pounds with that. She is off that and on Wellbutrin for depression, also taking Topamax for a binge eating disorder. So far we have not seen any improvement with either one, but it's only been one month. I'm sure you are aware that muscle weighs more than fat, so maybe you have put on more muscle from dancing. You can always add some weight lifting in, keep the cardio, and stay with the 1400 cal. The weight WILL NOT make you BIG, IF you restrict your calorie intake. In fact, you will lose fat, gain muscle and look slimmer. It takes alot of discipline. I see it happen every day, believe me. People think if they lift heavy weights they will get big, and that's only true if you keep eating more calories. If you want to eat, you need to do more cardio and weights. (although I'm sure you know this) I hope you didn't take this as a lecture, I really think it's the Zoloft for you. Maybe not for anyone else that reads this post. Everyone is different with the way their bodies react to medication and food. Don't be hard on yourself, I have been there and done it. I'll let you know if the Topamax starts working for my daughter. (Its a mood stabilizer also) -L

 

Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!!

Posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 8:04:25

In reply to I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!!, posted by Cinderella on October 21, 2004, at 16:52:28

> Hi everyone...remember me? I started the Zoloft back in August and it has just turned me into a nice, numb cuddly person who's always smiling and always the same and now...8 lbs heavier! I know 8 lbs doesn't seem like alot but I am a dancer and keeping my slender shape is important to me. Last week, I tried to lose it. I went on a 1400 calorie diet and did an extra 30 minutes on the eliptical trainer everyday. (I'm very disciplined.) I watched EVERYTHING that went in my mouth and counted calories precisely in order that I should lose a pound in a week. I LOST NOTHING and I am starving. Today I said, "screw this" and ate 2 blocks of the Eagle Brand fudge my husband made last weekend. It was wonderful! I feel fat and unsexy though and I HATE not being interested in sex. My doctor actually wants me to increase my Zoloft dose now to 100 mgs for pain control for my arthritis! NO WAY. I'm beginning to think I'd rather be thin and unhappy than keep gaining weight like this. I want off of Zoloft. Maybe I can ask my doc about going on Wellbutrin. Anyone else tried to lose weight while on these dang SSRI's??????
>

I wouldn't want to increase the dosage either. Why can't doctors get it through their heads that weight gain is an unacceptable side effect for many of us? Combine that with a lowering of libido in many cases, and you have a drug with a severe side effect profile IMO. Unfortunately, many antidepressants have these kinds of tendencies. I would urge you to find something else. There are better antidepressants for chronic pain than Zoloft also, which would include most of the tricyclics and probably the MAOIs. You have to be careful in selecting one that doesn't also induce weight gain or sexual side effects, but IMO, these other two classes of drugs are superior antidepressants to SSRIs.

Todd

 

Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » King Vultan

Posted by Stressee on October 22, 2004, at 8:20:33

In reply to Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!!, posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 8:04:25

I'm barging in and I'm sorry, but I am trying to figure out what other classes of Anit- Deprs. are you talking about? I am thinking my Wellbutrin is not working at ALL -L

 

Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!!

Posted by Cinderella on October 22, 2004, at 8:33:18

In reply to Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » King Vultan, posted by Stressee on October 22, 2004, at 8:20:33

hi Thanks for all the info. I do go to the gym and have been doing circuit weight training for about a year prior to going on Zoloft. I had actually lost weight from weight training and cardio with an eleiptical trainer so I know the benefits. The Zoloft HAS DEFINITELY slowed my metabolism though and put unwanted FAT on my body...believe me...this is not muscle weight gain. I notice my butt and hips have spread and I am having to use the last hook on my bra now because it is too tight around my rib cage. I've put on an inch around my waist too. What I have now is a layer of fat over my muscle. I hate to sound like I'm whining but I have always taken pride in my body and tried to keep physically fit. Feeling fat and unsexy is a very unwanted and discouraging side effect. I once went on tricyclics and gained weight on those too and got constipated so I don't want to use those anymore either. I am going to try Wellbutrin first to see if it will work for me.

> I'm barging in and I'm sorry, but I am trying to figure out what other classes of Anit- Deprs. are you talking about? I am thinking my Wellbutrin is not working at ALL -L

 

Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » Stressee

Posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 10:01:49

In reply to Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » King Vultan, posted by Stressee on October 22, 2004, at 8:20:33

> I'm barging in and I'm sorry, but I am trying to figure out what other classes of Anit- Deprs. are you talking about? I am thinking my Wellbutrin is not working at ALL -L


The first antidepressants introduced in the 50's and 60's were the tricyclics and MAOIs, and these were the mainstay of AD drug therapy up until the late 80's/early 90's when the SSRIs replaced them. Tricyclics have a somewhat different mechanism because they all work on norepinephrine, and some also work on serotonin. Because of this, their antidepressant action is perhaps somewhat more natural than drugs that just work on serotonin, such as Zoloft.

The problem with tricyclics is that all of them also have differing degrees of antihistaminic abilities, which tend to induce sedation and weight gain, and anticholinergic effects, which include things like constipation and dry mouth. Now personally, I would rather take a drug that gives me constipation than one that makes me fat, as the constipation, in reality, is much easier to deal with, but people have different tolerances for different side effects.

I have a book at home I do not recall the title of which attempts to rate the antidepressants quantitatively on weight gain on a 0-4 scale, with 0 being none and 4 being horrible. If I remember, the tricylic amitriptyline gets a 4, nortriptyline gets a 2, and desipramine gets a 1. All of the SSRIs get zeros, which we know is simply not accurate or true. The recent article in Consumer Reports indicated that around 20 % of people taking SSRIs and Effexor experienced weight gain. Wellbutrin, which is not an SSRI, definitely showed less tendency to induce weight gain than the other drugs, with only a 12 % occurrence, but it was also unfortunately rated the least effective AD with only 57 % of people saying it helped a lot. That agrees with my own perception from reading people's reactions to it here and elsewhere.

The other drug class I mentioned, the MAOIs, only has two members in the US, Nardil and Parnate. This is the class that imposes dietary and drug restrictions, such as not being able to eat cheddar cheese or take a decongestant like pseudoephedrine, but the two drugs are both extremely effective. I cannot recommend Nardil because it has too many side effects and too much of tendency to induce weight gain IMO, but Parnate has a minimum of side effects and weight gain problems; although, it is noted for inducing insomnia.

Todd

 

Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » King Vultan

Posted by Ilene on October 22, 2004, at 11:33:49

In reply to Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » Stressee, posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 10:01:49


> The other drug class I mentioned, the MAOIs, only has two members in the US, Nardil and Parnate. This is the class that imposes dietary and drug restrictions, such as not being able to eat cheddar cheese or take a decongestant like pseudoephedrine, but the two drugs are both extremely effective. I cannot recommend Nardil because it has too many side effects and too much of tendency to induce weight gain IMO, but Parnate has a minimum of side effects and weight gain problems; although, it is noted for inducing insomnia.
>

Make that three--Marplan is also available. I'm taking it. I chose it because the SE profile falls between Nardil and Parnate.

 

Re: Marplan » Ilene

Posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 12:14:40

In reply to Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » King Vultan, posted by Ilene on October 22, 2004, at 11:33:49

> >
>
> Make that three--Marplan is also available. I'm taking it. I chose it because the SE profile falls between Nardil and Parnate.


You are correct. I know that people in the US have gotten the drug, but since Walgreen's does not appear to carry it, I thought that you had to get it right from the manufacturer, and that insurance would not cover it. I looked it up in my health insurance plan (UHC/Medco), and see that it is covered, but they do unfortunately have it listed as a tier 3 drug, which for me would be a $50/month copay. I also see that Marplan is available from drugstore.com, which appears to be a legitimate online US pharmacy.

Todd

 

Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » King Vultan

Posted by yznhymer on October 22, 2004, at 13:26:37

In reply to Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » Stressee, posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 10:01:49

> > I'm barging in and I'm sorry, but I am trying to figure out what other classes of Anit- Deprs. are you talking about? I am thinking my Wellbutrin is not working at ALL -L
>
>
> The first antidepressants introduced in the 50's and 60's were the tricyclics and MAOIs, and these were the mainstay of AD drug therapy up until the late 80's/early 90's when the SSRIs replaced them. Tricyclics have a somewhat different mechanism because they all work on norepinephrine, and some also work on serotonin. Because of this, their antidepressant action is perhaps somewhat more natural than drugs that just work on serotonin, such as Zoloft.
>
> The problem with tricyclics is that all of them also have differing degrees of antihistaminic abilities, which tend to induce sedation and weight gain, and anticholinergic effects, which include things like constipation and dry mouth. Now personally, I would rather take a drug that gives me constipation than one that makes me fat, as the constipation, in reality, is much easier to deal with, but people have different tolerances for different side effects.
>
> I have a book at home I do not recall the title of which attempts to rate the antidepressants quantitatively on weight gain on a 0-4 scale, with 0 being none and 4 being horrible. If I remember, the tricylic amitriptyline gets a 4, nortriptyline gets a 2, and desipramine gets a 1. All of the SSRIs get zeros, which we know is simply not accurate or true. The recent article in Consumer Reports indicated that around 20 % of people taking SSRIs and Effexor experienced weight gain. Wellbutrin, which is not an SSRI, definitely showed less tendency to induce weight gain than the other drugs, with only a 12 % occurrence, but it was also unfortunately rated the least effective AD with only 57 % of people saying it helped a lot. That agrees with my own perception from reading people's reactions to it here and elsewhere.
>
> The other drug class I mentioned, the MAOIs, only has two members in the US, Nardil and Parnate. This is the class that imposes dietary and drug restrictions, such as not being able to eat cheddar cheese or take a decongestant like pseudoephedrine, but the two drugs are both extremely effective. I cannot recommend Nardil because it has too many side effects and too much of tendency to induce weight gain IMO, but Parnate has a minimum of side effects and weight gain problems; although, it is noted for inducing insomnia.
>
> Todd
>

Todd...

I always enjoy reading your posts, not just for the information but also for the clarity with which you impart it.

I just ditched Cymbalta because of the anxiety it induced as well as the sexual dysfunction it caused. Same story with every SSRI I've tried: sexual and other side effects but no real antidepressant benefit.

I've found Welbutrin ineffective and the side effects of the tricyclics too unpleasant to continue. I had a very unpleasant psychotic episode on Mellaril as well as an allergic reaction(I fired that pdoc). Moclobemide gave me only limited relief, if that, and my current doc has decided he doesn't feel comfortable prescribing it any longer because I must purchase it from Canada anyway.

Nardil, on the other hand, put me in the best mood I can recall in my adult life but I gained 20 lbs the first month and still had the sexual side effects. So I reluctantly dropped it.

I'm waiting for the release of the EMSAM patch thinking that there is a chance I may get a similarly robust response to it as the Nardil without the side effects. In the meantime, I'm wondering about the following:

Is a trial of parnate worth the effort on my part? To be honest, I'm past the point of being willing to try things blindly... I'd like to know that there is some basis to believe it might be a) effective and b)tolerable in terms of side effects, especially re anorgasmia.

By the way, any thoughts on why Nardil was so robust but the SSRI's, Wellbutrin, TCAs were relatively ineffective? My knowledge about the chemistry is rudimentary, if that. I guess I'm wondering if the Nardil was hitting a neurotransmitter (dopamine?) that the others don't and if this would be helpful info in choosing my next trial?

Thanks in advance,
Mark

 

Re: Marplan » King Vultan

Posted by Ilene on October 22, 2004, at 13:32:13

In reply to Re: Marplan » Ilene, posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 12:14:40

> > >
> >
> > Make that three--Marplan is also available. I'm taking it. I chose it because the SE profile falls between Nardil and Parnate.
>
>
> You are correct. I know that people in the US have gotten the drug, but since Walgreen's does not appear to carry it, I thought that you had to get it right from the manufacturer, and that insurance would not cover it. I looked it up in my health insurance plan (UHC/Medco), and see that it is covered, but they do unfortunately have it listed as a tier 3 drug, which for me would be a $50/month copay. I also see that Marplan is available from drugstore.com, which appears to be a legitimate online US pharmacy.
>
> Todd
>

That's strange. I get it from my local Walgreen's. Any drugstore should be able to order it for you.

My insurance covers it, but I'm not sure what the co-pay is. Probably $25-35. I get 5 prescriptions/month, so it's hard to keep track of what the different co-pays are.

 

Re: Marplan » Ilene

Posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 14:14:27

In reply to Re: Marplan » King Vultan, posted by Ilene on October 22, 2004, at 13:32:13

> >
> >
>
> That's strange. I get it from my local Walgreen's. Any drugstore should be able to order it for you.
>
> My insurance covers it, but I'm not sure what the co-pay is. Probably $25-35. I get 5 prescriptions/month, so it's hard to keep track of what the different co-pays are.


I guess it's my fault for putting too much faith in the Walgreen's website, where it doesn't seem to be listed. However, the last time I looked, they didn't have Cymbalta listed, either, which I know they do carry. I probably should have asked at my local Walgreen's before jumping to a conclusion.

Todd

 

Re: Nardil and Parnate » yznhymer

Posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 14:55:37

In reply to Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » King Vultan, posted by yznhymer on October 22, 2004, at 13:26:37

>
> Is a trial of parnate worth the effort on my part? To be honest, I'm past the point of being willing to try things blindly... I'd like to know that there is some basis to believe it might be a) effective and b)tolerable in terms of side effects, especially re anorgasmia.
>
> By the way, any thoughts on why Nardil was so robust but the SSRI's, Wellbutrin, TCAs were relatively ineffective? My knowledge about the chemistry is rudimentary, if that. I guess I'm wondering if the Nardil was hitting a neurotransmitter (dopamine?) that the others don't and if this would be helpful info in choosing my next trial?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Mark


Parnate has a low incidence of sexual side effects, probably fairly similar to that of Wellbutrin. It is very powerful and doesn't have a lot of side effects other than it seems to be notorious for causing insomnia. Nardil is also quite powerful but seems to have a ton of side effects. The efficacy of Nardil and Parnate mainly comes about because they work on all three neurotransmitter systems that are primarily thought to be involved with mood, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, simultaneously. This in contrast to most antidepressants, which generally only work on one or two of these systems. In addition to that, Nardil also works on the GABA system, which is involved in anxiety. This is the same system that benzodiazepines like Klonopin and Xanax also work on, so Nardil may be especially useful for individuals with relatively high levels of anxiety.

The weight gain problems with Nardil seem to be related to it being a hydrazine derivative, which may affect metabolism and/or how glucose is utilized. The sexual side effects are from its powerful actions on serotonin and resemble SSRIs somewhat in that respect. There appear to be less libido problems with Nardil than with SSRIs, probably because of its simultaneous actions on the dopamine system, but orgasm problems are notorious and brutal. Nardil can also cause significant problems related to lowering of blood pressure and heart rate.

Parnate lacks most of these side effects because it is an amphetamine derivative (it does not work on GABA as Nardil does) and has a stimulant effect that seems to counteract the sexual and cardiovascular problems. Weight gain does not seem to be much of an issue for the same reason, as it is not a hydrazine derivative like Nardil to begin with, it has no histamine blockade as the tricyclics do, and its stimulant effect may help keep appetite at bay. I find my appetite to be normal on Parnate, or perhaps slightly enhanced (compared to taking nothing, when depression may be reducing my appetite), but I do not believe it is slowing down my metabolism as some of the other drugs I have tried do. By far the biggest problem I have had on Parnate is insomnia, which was also a problem for me on Nardil. Dealing with it remains a challenge at this point, but with the right sleep med or combination thereof, I should be able to conquer it.

Todd

 

Re: Nardil and Parnate » King Vultan

Posted by Ilene on October 22, 2004, at 15:53:58

In reply to Re: Nardil and Parnate » yznhymer, posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 14:55:37

By far the biggest problem I have had on Parnate is insomnia, which was also a problem for me on Nardil. Dealing with it remains a challenge at this point, but with the right sleep med or combination thereof, I should be able to conquer it.
>
> Todd


When do you take your Parnate? Have you tried Neurontin for sleep?

 

Re: Nardil and Parnate » Ilene

Posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 16:48:56

In reply to Re: Nardil and Parnate » King Vultan, posted by Ilene on October 22, 2004, at 15:53:58

> By far the biggest problem I have had on Parnate is insomnia, which was also a problem for me on Nardil. Dealing with it remains a challenge at this point, but with the right sleep med or combination thereof, I should be able to conquer it.
> >
> > Todd
>
>
> When do you take your Parnate? Have you tried Neurontin for sleep?


I take the Parnate throughout the day, with the last 10 mg at 8 PM. I've tried varying the dosage timing somewhat, and it makes no difference. There is no overt stimulation effect I can associate with an individual dose of it, and I think the insomnia is mainly a side effect of increased serotonin and norepinephrine transmission from MAO inhibition and not from any direct stimulatory effect. When I was on Wellbutrin, I used to take the 2nd dose right at bedtime and slept like a rock, so all things considered, I don't feel there would be anything to be gained by substantially altering the Parnate dosing pattern to try to improve the sleep situation.

Neurontin is a drug that may work for some, but it's one that I tend to look very much askance at and probably wouldn't consider trying. However, I am willing to try benzos, sedating antidepressants, sedating antihistamines, and perhaps even an atypical antipsychotic for sleep.

Todd

 

Re: Nardil and Parnate/GABAKingVultan

Posted by bluebird on October 22, 2004, at 17:11:57

In reply to Re: Nardil and Parnate » yznhymer, posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 14:55:37

> >
> > Is a trial of parnate worth the effort on my part? To be honest, I'm past the point of being willing to try things blindly... I'd like to know that there is some basis to believe it might be a) effective and b)tolerable in terms of side effects, especially re anorgasmia.
> >
> > By the way, any thoughts on why Nardil was so robust but the SSRI's, Wellbutrin, TCAs were relatively ineffective? My knowledge about the chemistry is rudimentary, if that. I guess I'm wondering if the Nardil was hitting a neurotransmitter (dopamine?) that the others don't and if this would be helpful info in choosing my next trial?
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> > Mark
>
>
> Parnate has a low incidence of sexual side effects, probably fairly similar to that of Wellbutrin. It is very powerful and doesn't have a lot of side effects other than it seems to be notorious for causing insomnia. Nardil is also quite powerful but seems to have a ton of side effects. The efficacy of Nardil and Parnate mainly comes about because they work on all three neurotransmitter systems that are primarily thought to be involved with mood, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, simultaneously. This in contrast to most antidepressants, which generally only work on one or two of these systems. In addition to that, Nardil also works on the GABA system, which is involved in anxiety. This is the same system that benzodiazepines like Klonopin and Xanax also work on, so Nardil may be especially useful for individuals with relatively high levels of anxiety.
>
> The weight gain problems with Nardil seem to be related to it being a hydrazine derivative, which may affect metabolism and/or how glucose is utilized. The sexual side effects are from its powerful actions on serotonin and resemble SSRIs somewhat in that respect. There appear to be less libido problems with Nardil than with SSRIs, probably because of its simultaneous actions on the dopamine system, but orgasm problems are notorious and brutal. Nardil can also cause significant problems related to lowering of blood pressure and heart rate.
>
> Parnate lacks most of these side effects because it is an amphetamine derivative (it does not work on GABA as Nardil does) and has a stimulant effect that seems to counteract the sexual and cardiovascular problems. Weight gain does not seem to be much of an issue for the same reason, as it is not a hydrazine derivative like Nardil to begin with, it has no histamine blockade as the tricyclics do, and its stimulant effect may help keep appetite at bay. I find my appetite to be normal on Parnate, or perhaps slightly enhanced (compared to taking nothing, when depression may be reducing my appetite), but I do not believe it is slowing down my metabolism as some of the other drugs I have tried do. By far the biggest problem I have had on Parnate is insomnia, which was also a problem for me on Nardil. Dealing with it remains a challenge at this point, but with the right sleep med or combination thereof, I should be able to conquer it.
>
> Todd

Hello, this is bluebird. How's the 50mg of Parnate going? I went to my doc and she wanted me to stay at 40mg for another 2 weeks. I wanted to go up to 50mg but she says wait. So on to my question for you. If Nardil also affects the GABA and that is so helpful with anxiety (which I have a lot of) is there a med that affects only the GABA that can be added to the Parnate? Just curious. I wanted to try Parnate 1st because of less SE's. Parnate at 40mg for 2 1/2 weeks and 30mg for 2 weeks prior hasn't had the antidepressant affect as of yet. Well, not like I was hoping for that is. My doc says it takes time. She originally wanted me to take Nardil but I chose Parnate. So the GABA is the main difference? I enjoy your info that you provide.
Thanks for all of the posts it is appreciated. Hope all is going well.
Thanks, bluebird

 

Re: Nardil and Parnate/GABA » bluebird

Posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 19:47:02

In reply to Re: Nardil and Parnate/GABAKingVultan, posted by bluebird on October 22, 2004, at 17:11:57


>
> Hello, this is bluebird. How's the 50mg of Parnate going? I went to my doc and she wanted me to stay at 40mg for another 2 weeks. I wanted to go up to 50mg but she says wait. So on to my question for you. If Nardil also affects the GABA and that is so helpful with anxiety (which I have a lot of) is there a med that affects only the GABA that can be added to the Parnate? Just curious. I wanted to try Parnate 1st because of less SE's. Parnate at 40mg for 2 1/2 weeks and 30mg for 2 weeks prior hasn't had the antidepressant affect as of yet. Well, not like I was hoping for that is. My doc says it takes time. She originally wanted me to take Nardil but I chose Parnate. So the GABA is the main difference? I enjoy your info that you provide.
> Thanks for all of the posts it is appreciated. Hope all is going well.
> Thanks, bluebird


There was a significant increase in antidepressant efficacy along with a similar increase in insomnia, which was already terrible, about a week after increasing the dosage. I also did not experience the depression this time that I did going from 20 to 30 and 30 to 40; I just felt a little flat at times in the first week after going up. So I'm really doing pretty good, but I believe I would be doing even better if I got more sleep. I am soon going to give trazodone a try again, as I mentioned in some other post today. I am thinking that Parnate may have corrected the problem (by downregulation of receptors) that caused trazodone to give me depression when I tried it on Nardil.

For GABA effects, you can always add some kind of benzodiazepine. Klonopin/clonazepam seems to be one that is very widely used. Benzos are safe with Parnate, as they are with Nardil. I know there are some issues with long term benzo use, however, as they can cause dependence, and therefore, difficulties when withdrawing from them.

Todd

 

Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!! » Cinderella

Posted by Stressee on October 22, 2004, at 20:59:13

In reply to Re: I've gained 8 lbs from Zoloft and CAN'T Lose it!!!, posted by Cinderella on October 22, 2004, at 8:33:18

Darn, I was thinking maybe we could hit on something. Well......I would say it is the Zoloft. I totally know how you feel, because when I'm at the gym all those mirrors show everything and I think to myself "That wasn't there last year". Even black can't hide those extra lumps. When people tell me the weight is muscle I always ask "why is it starting to hang over my pants?" Yep. I was just told that Wellbutrin can make you gain weight, and I DON'T LIKE THAT. Maybe that's why I can't get rid of the extra six pounds. -L

 

Re: Nardil and Parnate » King Vultan

Posted by Ilene on October 23, 2004, at 12:09:24

In reply to Re: Nardil and Parnate » Ilene, posted by King Vultan on October 22, 2004, at 16:48:56

> Neurontin is a drug that may work for some, but it's one that I tend to look very much askance at and probably wouldn't consider trying.

Why is that?

However, I am willing to try benzos, sedating antidepressants, sedating antihistamines, and perhaps even an atypical antipsychotic for sleep.
>

I take Zyprexa at night, but it lost its sedating effect after about 3 days. It's been great for my anxiety, but I've gained too much weight.

 

Re: Neurontin » Ilene

Posted by King Vultan on October 24, 2004, at 0:03:28

In reply to Re: Nardil and Parnate » King Vultan, posted by Ilene on October 23, 2004, at 12:09:24

> > Neurontin is a drug that may work for some, but it's one that I tend to look very much askance at and probably wouldn't consider trying.
>
> Why is that?


I'm just not a big fan of antiepileptics, particularly this one. A friend of mine who suffers from social anxiety disorder and depression was given neurontin to treat nerve damage in his arm and became extremely depressed, with suicidal thoughts. Maybe if I knew more about the details of how these types of drugs work, I would be more comfortable with them. I prefer to stick to drug classes in which I am familiar with their pharmacology.

> However, I am willing to try benzos, sedating antidepressants, sedating antihistamines, and perhaps even an atypical antipsychotic for sleep.
> >
>
> I take Zyprexa at night, but it lost its sedating effect after about 3 days. It's been great for my anxiety, but I've gained too much weight.


Weight gain seems be a potential problem with many of the atypical antipsychotics, unfortunately. It can be a problem with sedating antidepressants and antihistamines, as well.

Todd


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