![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Optimist on February 14, 2005, at 17:59:19
Today I finally started my Parnate after a 5 week washout of my Prozac and 1 week of Wellbutrin and Adderall! I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas these last few weeks, sitting in my pdocs office to tell her what I wanted, and picking up the present at the pharmacy. :) Does anyone else get this excited about starting a new med? I have high expectations for it, perhaps that's why.
I took my first pill around 4 hours ago... I feel a little hyper but I'll chalk that up for a placebo effect. I know Parnate is supposed to act quickly but not that quickly. I'll evaluate how I'm feeling in a week to see how things are going. I figure it's like dieting... there's no point weighing yourself everyday since the changes are so small, and it'll only lead to disappointment.
I took one 10mg pill at around 2pm and another just now at 6:30pm. I'll take 2 a day for the next few days then likely go up to 3, and take it from there. I imagine I'll ramp up to 40mg pretty quickly then sit it out for a few weeks to see if I need more.
I didn't get an antihypertensive pill today. She wasn't too sure what to prescribe. I suggested 10mg Nifedipine, but I think I'll have to wait a day or so to have her call it in to the pharmacy. She was talking about nitroglycerin or something. I wasn't aware that it could lower blood pressure. I'd feel a little better knowing I have the added security behind me anyways.
I'll check in again in about a week to let you all know how I'm doing with it. I know a few of you were interested.
Take care everyone, and Happy Tranylcypromine's Day!
Brian
Posted by Nixon on February 14, 2005, at 19:07:16
In reply to Happy Tranylcypromine's Day everyone!, posted by Optimist on February 14, 2005, at 17:59:19
Hi,
I like your post. I have not taken Parnate but I wish you the best. Happy Parnate Day. JN
Posted by mmcconathy on February 14, 2005, at 20:41:56
In reply to Re: Happy Tranylcypromine's Day everyone!, posted by Nixon on February 14, 2005, at 19:07:16
nothing is working for me.
Happy Pentobarbital Day for me.......... hopefully the last
cheers
Posted by Willyee on February 14, 2005, at 23:08:17
In reply to Happy Tranylcypromine's Day everyone!, posted by Optimist on February 14, 2005, at 17:59:19
> Today I finally started my Parnate after a 5 week washout of my Prozac and 1 week of Wellbutrin and Adderall! I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas these last few weeks, sitting in my pdocs office to tell her what I wanted, and picking up the present at the pharmacy. :) Does anyone else get this excited about starting a new med? I have high expectations for it, perhaps that's why.
>
> I took my first pill around 4 hours ago... I feel a little hyper but I'll chalk that up for a placebo effect. I know Parnate is supposed to act quickly but not that quickly. I'll evaluate how I'm feeling in a week to see how things are going. I figure it's like dieting... there's no point weighing yourself everyday since the changes are so small, and it'll only lead to disappointment.
>
> I took one 10mg pill at around 2pm and another just now at 6:30pm. I'll take 2 a day for the next few days then likely go up to 3, and take it from there. I imagine I'll ramp up to 40mg pretty quickly then sit it out for a few weeks to see if I need more.
>
> I didn't get an antihypertensive pill today. She wasn't too sure what to prescribe. I suggested 10mg Nifedipine, but I think I'll have to wait a day or so to have her call it in to the pharmacy. She was talking about nitroglycerin or something. I wasn't aware that it could lower blood pressure. I'd feel a little better knowing I have the added security behind me anyways.
>
> I'll check in again in about a week to let you all know how I'm doing with it. I know a few of you were interested.
>
> Take care everyone, and Happy Tranylcypromine's Day!
>
> BrianGlad you got some intial results,thats pretty typical,if ur lucky u might get a year depending on how healthy ur lifestyle is.
As for me a veteran,to other vetrans,this meds inconsistencys is frustrating me like you could never know.
One thing im noticing is this,the drug seems to increase the craving for a cigarette,yet a cigarette not only kills the effectness but combines with it and causes agigtation.What im thinking is the drug is in a smal small way similiar to welbbutrin as far as dopamine,and welbbutrin ur not supposed to smoke or u get nausa,well i get nausa after a cig on parnate,the catch 22 is the med seems to make me want to more,im trying to smoke before i take and no more,its hard,i definatly need to find a sedative to work with this,i hear amulspride might be worth a try?
Posted by Optimist on February 15, 2005, at 0:24:45
In reply to Re: Happy Tranylcypromine's Day everyone!, posted by Willyee on February 14, 2005, at 23:08:17
> > Today I finally started my Parnate after a 5 week washout of my Prozac and 1 week of Wellbutrin and Adderall! I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas these last few weeks, sitting in my pdocs office to tell her what I wanted, and picking up the present at the pharmacy. :) Does anyone else get this excited about starting a new med? I have high expectations for it, perhaps that's why.
> >
> > I took my first pill around 4 hours ago... I feel a little hyper but I'll chalk that up for a placebo effect. I know Parnate is supposed to act quickly but not that quickly. I'll evaluate how I'm feeling in a week to see how things are going. I figure it's like dieting... there's no point weighing yourself everyday since the changes are so small, and it'll only lead to disappointment.
> >
> > I took one 10mg pill at around 2pm and another just now at 6:30pm. I'll take 2 a day for the next few days then likely go up to 3, and take it from there. I imagine I'll ramp up to 40mg pretty quickly then sit it out for a few weeks to see if I need more.
> >
> > I didn't get an antihypertensive pill today. She wasn't too sure what to prescribe. I suggested 10mg Nifedipine, but I think I'll have to wait a day or so to have her call it in to the pharmacy. She was talking about nitroglycerin or something. I wasn't aware that it could lower blood pressure. I'd feel a little better knowing I have the added security behind me anyways.
> >
> > I'll check in again in about a week to let you all know how I'm doing with it. I know a few of you were interested.
> >
> > Take care everyone, and Happy Tranylcypromine's Day!
> >
> > Brian
>
> Glad you got some intial results,thats pretty typical,if ur lucky u might get a year depending on how healthy ur lifestyle is.
>
> As for me a veteran,to other vetrans,this meds inconsistencys is frustrating me like you could never know.
>
>
> One thing im noticing is this,the drug seems to increase the craving for a cigarette,yet a cigarette not only kills the effectness but combines with it and causes agigtation.
>
> What im thinking is the drug is in a smal small way similiar to welbbutrin as far as dopamine,and welbbutrin ur not supposed to smoke or u get nausa,well i get nausa after a cig on parnate,the catch 22 is the med seems to make me want to more,im trying to smoke before i take and no more,its hard,i definatly need to find a sedative to work with this,i hear amulspride might be worth a try?
>
>I think the reason Wellbutrin decreases smoking cravings is not necessarily because it increases dopamine but because it decreases dopamine release. Even though it is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, overall there is a reduced net dopamine effect due to the greatly reduced dopamine release. Wellbutrin tends to lower dopamine in the long run rather than increase it. I think it may diminish much of the reward from smoking. If it were only due to prodopamine effects then selegiline or amineptine would have been more efficacious which they are not.
Brian
Posted by alienatari on February 15, 2005, at 0:44:24
In reply to Re: Happy Tranylcypromine's Day everyone!, posted by Willyee on February 14, 2005, at 23:08:17
I thought I was the only one! arghh smoking heaps on Parnate too. Also the nausea is pretty bad. The only thing that I have found to combat the parnate nausea is Ativan
Take care
Posted by alienatari on February 15, 2005, at 0:46:00
In reply to Re: Happy Tranylcypromine's Day everyone! » Willyee, posted by Optimist on February 15, 2005, at 0:24:45
I thought Selegiline was good for stopping smoking? I have read trials on biopsychiatry.com and they suggested that it was helpful in regard to stopping smoking.
Posted by TheOutsider on February 15, 2005, at 4:33:18
In reply to Happy Tranylcypromine's Day everyone!, posted by Optimist on February 14, 2005, at 17:59:19
>Today I finally started my Parnate after a 5 week washout of my Prozac and 1 week of Wellbutrin and Adderall! I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas these last few weeks, sitting in my pdocs office to tell her what I wanted, and picking up the present at the pharmacy. :) Does anyone else get this excited about starting a new med? I have high expectations for it, perhaps that's why.
I know exactly how you feel!
I recently got my Pdoc to prescribe Pregabalin, I really didn't think he would, and I was so happy when he did!
"If it were only due to prodopamine effects then selegiline or amineptine would have been more efficacious which they are not."I afraid I have to disagree with your assertion that Selegiline is not effectiving for helping smokers to quit, I think there was a study that showed it did help reduce cravings.
I think it can also help cocain addicts to quit.I believe that many smokers are compensating for low dopamine, therefor any med that increases it could be helpful.
I don't know about amneptine, but it seems quite possible it would help.Hope you have many more good Tranylcypromine days!
Posted by ed_uk on February 15, 2005, at 9:03:50
In reply to Happy Tranylcypromine's Day everyone!, posted by Optimist on February 14, 2005, at 17:59:19
Hi Brian!
>Does anyone else get this excited about starting a new med?
I'm excited for you too :-) Yes, I think I would be excited if I was starting Parnate. It's hard to get excited about starting an SSRI though.
>I'll check in again in about a week to let you all know how I'm doing with it. I know a few of you were interested.
Yes, please do, I'm interested.
>Take care everyone, and Happy Tranylcypromine's Day!
Lol, to you too.
Ed.
Posted by Optimist on February 15, 2005, at 11:21:03
In reply to Re: Happy Tranylcypromine's Day everyone!, posted by TheOutsider on February 15, 2005, at 4:33:18
Sorry guys, maybe I should've been more clear. I meant that my impression what that Wellbutrin is MORE efficacious than Selegiline or Amineptine for smoking cessation, not that they are useless.
Bupropion also has modest affinity for nicotinic receptors which helps the cessation process I believe. The inhibited dopamine release is supposed is supposed to help diminish the reward of smoking as well.
I thought I read some info stating Bupropion was superior to Selegiline for smoking cessation before. I was hoping to find some research putting Wellbutrin(bupropion) head to head with Selegiline but came up short, so this may all be idle speculation. :)
Sorry for the confusion.
Brian
Posted by up'n'down on February 16, 2005, at 5:17:11
In reply to Happy Tranylcypromine's Day everyone!, posted by Optimist on February 14, 2005, at 17:59:19
> Today I finally started my Parnate after a 5 week washout of my Prozac and 1 week of Wellbutrin and Adderall! I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas these last few weeks, sitting in my pdocs office to tell her what I wanted, and picking up the present at the pharmacy. :) Does anyone else get this excited about starting a new med? I have high expectations for it, perhaps that's why.
>
> I took my first pill around 4 hours ago... I feel a little hyper but I'll chalk that up for a placebo effect. I know Parnate is supposed to act quickly but not that quickly. I'll evaluate how I'm feeling in a week to see how things are going. I figure it's like dieting... there's no point weighing yourself everyday since the changes are so small, and it'll only lead to disappointment.
>
> I took one 10mg pill at around 2pm and another just now at 6:30pm. I'll take 2 a day for the next few days then likely go up to 3, and take it from there. I imagine I'll ramp up to 40mg pretty quickly then sit it out for a few weeks to see if I need more.
>
> I didn't get an antihypertensive pill today. She wasn't too sure what to prescribe. I suggested 10mg Nifedipine, but I think I'll have to wait a day or so to have her call it in to the pharmacy. She was talking about nitroglycerin or something. I wasn't aware that it could lower blood pressure. I'd feel a little better knowing I have the added security behind me anyways.
>
> I'll check in again in about a week to let you all know how I'm doing with it. I know a few of you were interested.
>
> Take care everyone, and Happy Tranylcypromine's Day!
>
> BrianYou may not have to worry about antihypertensive meds if you react to MAOI's like I did. When I first started on Nardil, when my dose was above my tolerance level, my bp was so low I could hardly move. I was at the grocery store and could not even move for awhile, so I just leaned on my basket. Finally, I had enough strength to put the basket back, and go out to my car. Luckily, I was just a few blocks from home, so made it safely in my car. I fell in bed and didn't get outside for 1 and 1/2 days; I went next door to my parents house, and used my dad's bp machine, and my bp was 54/0.
As my body adjusted to Nardil, my bp did too, but never did get very high. The nurses in my Dr.'s office always commented on how low it was, since they see many more high than low bps. One added thing--I have always and still do have a low bp. I hope you do well on your new med--I would like to still be on Nardil. U'D
Posted by Optimist on February 16, 2005, at 19:32:05
In reply to MAOI and blood pressure, posted by up'n'down on February 16, 2005, at 5:17:11
The Nifedipine is for a hypertensive crisis from eating the wrong food by mistake, not as a long term treatment.
My regular blood pressure hasn't changed yet after 3 days of 40mg of Parnate. Perhaps it won't change at all. No problems sleeping what so ever either. I thought the insomnia was supposed to be bad on this drug. Perhaps I'm not taking a high enough dosage for that. Also no side effects what so ever to speak of which is nice. It's almost like I am taking a sugar pill expect for the significant energy lift and greater social ease. It's looking good so far.
Brian
Posted by sabre on February 18, 2005, at 2:05:55
In reply to Re: MAOI and blood pressure » up'n'down, posted by Optimist on February 16, 2005, at 19:32:05
Good luck, Brian.
I'd love to hear about your experiences on Parnate.
I get the impression that for most people the side effects are generally not as bad as those of Nardil. Is that true?
sabre
Posted by Joe1 on February 18, 2005, at 12:27:44
In reply to Re: MAOI and blood pressure, posted by sabre on February 18, 2005, at 2:05:55
First I'd like to thank Dr.Bob for putting this site together for us. It is a blessing .And after
reading some of the other postings there are many
who know alot about this stuff than I. My experience with these two drugs is that Nardil-
the old Nardil( new one doesn't work for me)Is that it hits hard and does the best job and after
a few months the side effects deminish. Parnate
is like a distant cousin , it works withen a few
days and the side effects are extremly mild - it
doesn't pack the kick like Nardil but it does the job - slow and steady. now if I could sleep at night and hop out of bed in the morning like the old nardil I'd be in heaven .
Posted by sabre on February 18, 2005, at 22:38:44
In reply to Nardil and Parnate, posted by Joe1 on February 18, 2005, at 12:27:44
Joel, why don't you use Parnate? If it does the job eventually? Or does it not reach the same level of effectiveness as the old Nardil?
Why did they change the formula of nardil?
sabre
ps I agree about the site!
Posted by Joe1 on February 19, 2005, at 12:42:16
In reply to Re: Nardil and Parnate, posted by sabre on February 18, 2005, at 22:38:44
After my 14 day taper off of Nardil
I tried a few ssri's they didn't help .
Then I tried Parnate - it was noticeable after
3 days . It is a lot more mild than the old Nardil
which I would prefer. Why? it has an activating
effect on me so I can go out and do things .
The parnate is better than the new nardil which
does nothing .As long as I can function, I can get by - However with the old Nardil I was truely
alive where I made goals and felt like I could
make a difference in the world . I am still getting use to the parnate after one month .
Check out : www.anxietyhelp.org
Posted by Optimist on February 20, 2005, at 12:32:59
In reply to Re: Nardil and Parnate, posted by Joe1 on February 19, 2005, at 12:42:16
> After my 14 day taper off of Nardil
> I tried a few ssri's they didn't help .
> Then I tried Parnate - it was noticeable after
> 3 days . It is a lot more mild than the old Nardil
> which I would prefer. Why? it has an activating
> effect on me so I can go out and do things .
> The parnate is better than the new nardil which
> does nothing .As long as I can function, I can get by - However with the old Nardil I was truely
> alive where I made goals and felt like I could
> make a difference in the world . I am still getting use to the parnate after one month .
> Check out : www.anxietyhelp.org
Joe,What dosage are you at? Perhaps you're not at a high enough dosage to get the full effects yet. Are you having any problems with it regarding side effects?
Brian
Posted by Optimist on February 20, 2005, at 12:44:15
In reply to Re: MAOI and blood pressure, posted by sabre on February 18, 2005, at 2:05:55
> Good luck, Brian.
>
> I'd love to hear about your experiences on Parnate.
>
> I get the impression that for most people the side effects are generally not as bad as those of Nardil. Is that true?
>
> sabreI've been on Parnate for 6 days now. 20mg the first, 40mg the next 4, then started at 60mg yesterday. Still zero side effects if that tells you anything. No insomnia, midafternoon tiredness, sexual dysfunction, hypotension what so ever. Usually when I start a new the drug the first week has pronounced side effects like Prozac, Lamictal, and Wellbutrin did. I had trouble sleeping the first week on wellbutrin and Prozac. Wellbutrin initially gave me headaches, nausea, and dizziness at first but quickly dissipated. So in the side effect category Parnate wins hands down. Seems promising so far.
Parnate is supposed to be much more mild with side effects opposed to Nardil. You don't hear nearly as many people going off Parnate due to side effects as you do Nardil. That almost always seems the case with Nardil. A lot of people can't tolerate it.
I'll write a more detailed description tomorrow on my progress as it will be a week. Don't want to jump the gun just quite yet. :)
p.s. The diet's a joke. No problems what so ever with it yet. I'm following the 1998 Sunnybrook recommendations. No aged cheese and meat, draft beer, and soy sauce.
Brian
Posted by sabre on February 21, 2005, at 0:34:03
In reply to Re: MAOI and blood pressure, posted by Optimist on February 20, 2005, at 12:44:15
Hi Brian,
So far so good. Great!!
That's the sort of post I love to read about drugs.
I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions of the drug's effectiveness.
Thanks Brian
Sabre
Posted by sabre on February 21, 2005, at 0:43:47
In reply to Re: Nardil and Parnate » Joe1, posted by Optimist on February 20, 2005, at 12:32:59
Hi Joe
I looked at the anxiety web site. I hadn't seen this one. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale was interesting, esp the fact that they show your scores for avoidance and fear separately. I can see how using beta blockers can reduce your avoidance.
Thanks Joe
Sabre
Posted by cybercafe on February 23, 2005, at 6:29:40
In reply to Re: MAOI and blood pressure, posted by Optimist on February 20, 2005, at 12:44:15
> > Good luck, Brian.
> >
> > I'd love to hear about your experiences on Parnate.
> >
> > I get the impression that for most people the side effects are generally not as bad as those of Nardil. Is that true?
> >
> > sabre
>
> I've been on Parnate for 6 days now. 20mg the first, 40mg the next 4, then started at 60mg yesterday. Still zero side effects if that tells you anything. No insomnia, midafternoon tiredness, sexual dysfunction, hypotension what so ever. Usually when I start a new the drug the first week has pronounced side effects like Prozac, Lamictal, and Wellbutrin did. I had trouble sleeping the first week on wellbutrin and Prozac. Wellbutrin initially gave me headaches, nausea, and dizziness at first but quickly dissipated. So in the side effect category Parnate wins hands down. Seems promising so far.
>
> Parnate is supposed to be much more mild with side effects opposed to Nardil. You don't hear nearly as many people going off Parnate due to side effects as you do Nardil. That almost always seems the case with Nardil. A lot of people can't tolerate it.
>
> I'll write a more detailed description tomorrow on my progress as it will be a week. Don't want to jump the gun just quite yet. :)
>
> p.s. The diet's a joke. No problems what so ever with it yet. I'm following the 1998 Sunnybrook recommendations. No aged cheese and meat, draft beer, and soy sauce.
>
> Brian
yeah for some reason my doctor knew what foods i could get away with ... and even if i had bad foods (at 30 mg) he told me all i would ever feel is a bad headache... (for which he recommended clonazepam) ....never happened.. but up until recently all i risked was pizza and soy sauce .... i even (very cautiously, slowly and with an emergency pill on me) had about 2 pitchers of draft beer... (frat thing)...Diagnosis: i'm a retard who got lucky
p.s. - the fact that the beer interfered with my ability to metabolize parnate left me feeling so depressed for 3 or 4 days ? .. is enough for me to never touch alcohol again, no matter what the social consequences
(we're talking someone who was depressed for 7 years, and had their first 12+ months depression free)
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.