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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mack2099 on August 2, 2005, at 13:35:02
I have been on and off Nardil for @18 years. When I first began taking Nardil in 1987 (worked up to 60 mg. per day), I found that with regular exercise, my appetite was very suppressed and I lost 40 lbs. over 4 months and felt much better, less tired and no sign of depression. After taking Nardil for some time, the positive effects of the drug seemed to dimish. After being off 4-6 months and then starting again (always gradual coming off and starting back), I would again experience success with the drug. I have been taking it regularly for about the last 4 years and have gained 80 pounds in last year and a half. Seems like I crave sweets and carbs. We moved to another state and before I could get an appointment with a new doctor, my RX ran out and I gradually tapered off Nardil as I wanted to see if my appetite/weight gain might change. After reducing the dosage from 60 to 45 to 30 etc. and finally being completely off for a few weeks, my cravings for sweets and carbs almost went away but I am still having difficulty shedding the 80+ extra pounds. After being completely off for 2 months I am now seeing a return of depression and anxiety. Now I'm thinking maybe I should talk with my doctor about getting back on Nardil but I cant stand any weight gain. I've got to lose as blood pressure and cholesterol are both up as result of extra weight. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by ed_uk on August 2, 2005, at 14:33:36
In reply to Nardil and weight gain/loss, posted by mack2099 on August 2, 2005, at 13:35:02
Hi,
Perhaps you could try Parnate instead of Nardil. Parnate doesn't usually seem to cause as much weight gain as Nardil. In fact, some people find that Parnate suppresses their appetite.......... other people do gain weight on Parnate though, but it probably won't be as bad as Nardil.
~ed
Posted by Jedi on August 6, 2005, at 13:41:52
In reply to Nardil and weight gain/loss, posted by mack2099 on August 2, 2005, at 13:35:02
> I have been on and off Nardil for @18 years. When I first began taking Nardil in 1987 (worked up to 60 mg. per day), I found that with regular exercise, my appetite was very suppressed and I lost 40 lbs. over 4 months and felt much better, less tired and no sign of depression. After taking Nardil for some time, the positive effects of the drug seemed to dimish. After being off 4-6 months and then starting again (always gradual coming off and starting back), I would again experience success with the drug. I have been taking it regularly for about the last 4 years and have gained 80 pounds in last year and a half. Seems like I crave sweets and carbs. We moved to another state and before I could get an appointment with a new doctor, my RX ran out and I gradually tapered off Nardil as I wanted to see if my appetite/weight gain might change. After reducing the dosage from 60 to 45 to 30 etc. and finally being completely off for a few weeks, my cravings for sweets and carbs almost went away but I am still having difficulty shedding the 80+ extra pounds. After being completely off for 2 months I am now seeing a return of depression and anxiety. Now I'm thinking maybe I should talk with my doctor about getting back on Nardil but I cant stand any weight gain. I've got to lose as blood pressure and cholesterol are both up as result of extra weight. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Mack,
I have had the same problem with Nardil side effects. The sweet carbohydrate cravings leading to massive weight gain being the worst. As you mentioned also, strenuous exercise is the only way I was able to control the weight problem. Nardil, in my opinion, is by far the best medication for atypical depression. If your depression is atypical, as mine is, you’ll find that when seriously depressed it is almost impossible to force yourself to exercise. Overeating and weight gain is also a common symptom of atypical depression. Another symptom, sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day, doesn’t burn very many calories. So when you go off the medication and start to become more depressed, the weight gain could be a symptom of the illness. For me, the only thing that has worked is to stay on the Nardil and force myself into starting the exercise. Once you start exercising it becomes easier. When you quit, that initial effort to start again can seem overwhelming.
A side benefit is that Nardil will also lower your blood pressure.
Take care,
Jedi
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