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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by noellejc on August 5, 2008, at 14:49:08
Hi. I'm new to PsychoBabble and was looking to find some info about Nardil and Parnate. I've had treatment-resistant depression for 20 yrs and my psychiatrist and I are now considering MAOI's. Honestly, reading about all the side effects scares me. I also struggle with compulsive overeating. We've talked about Nardil, but because I already struggle with food, I'm worried about the weight gain. Does anyone know what percentage of people on Nardil actually gain weight? My psychiatrist suggested trying Parnate instead if I was worried. Can anyone tell me what Parnate is like vs. Nardil? I know this might sound superficial. I'm just trying to make the best descision for me based on my symptoms. I suffer from atypical depression, compulsive overeating, body dysphoric disorder, mild OCD, and I am in recovery from addiction. Thanks for any input. Noelle
Posted by Quintal on August 5, 2008, at 17:25:44
In reply to Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by noellejc on August 5, 2008, at 14:49:08
Parnate usually has fewer side effects for most people, and weight loss is common. Parnate tends to have a more 'speedy' feel, while Nardil is more sedating. The down side of this is that Parnate can be a little bit addictive to some people who are prone to drug abuse, but as with other dugs a high intake might not be considered abuse if the doctor is willing to accomodate dose escalation. I remember one other person who's body dismorphic disorder responded well to Parnate. The main advantage of Nardil is in treating anxiety disorders, particularly social anxiety. If that isn't your main concern I'd say the side effect profile is in favor of Parnate, but as always your miles may vary.
Q
Posted by noellejc on August 5, 2008, at 18:30:36
In reply to Re: Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by Quintal on August 5, 2008, at 17:25:44
Ideally, I'd like to feel natural, not speedy or sedated. Prozac worked for me for 6 months, 12 years ago, and I just felt like I became myself. It was wonderful. Not long ago, I tried Abilify. It didn't help with the depression, but it did help with motivation. Unfortunately, I felt speedy and couldn't sleep. I read a lot about Nardil being sedating, yet I also hear a lot about it causing insomnia? What's up with that?
Thanks for responding to my post, Quintal. I'm brand new.
Posted by Justherself54 on August 6, 2008, at 0:27:54
In reply to Re: Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by noellejc on August 5, 2008, at 18:30:36
For me Nardil had way more side effects. The insomnia was very bad and I gained 30 pounds in a short period of time, horrible gas, balance problems and urinary problems.. It was great for being social and great for lifting depression.
The only side effect I get from Parnate is a little lightheaded...it's not so great for being social and I'm still struggling with some depression, and it's too soon to tell it this trial is going to be sucessful.
Posted by Quintal on August 6, 2008, at 5:43:49
In reply to Re: Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by noellejc on August 5, 2008, at 18:30:36
All MAOIs tend to cause pretty stubborn insomnia. They block dream sleep in most people, and probably block the natural process of sleep onset too. You would probably need to take a sleep aid with Parnate. Oh, and welcome to babble! there are lots of people here who are taking MAOIs so I'm sure you'll find the information you're looking for.
Q
Posted by noellejc on August 6, 2008, at 19:42:38
In reply to Re: Nardil vs. Parnate » noellejc, posted by Quintal on August 6, 2008, at 5:43:49
Hi. In regards to justherself54's post, what exactly do you mean when you say "parnate, not so social?" Also, does anyone know what non-melancholic depression is? I read at wikipedia that parnate is used to treat depression without melancholia? Thanks for listening. Noelle
Posted by shasling on August 10, 2008, at 1:58:34
In reply to Re: Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by noellejc on August 6, 2008, at 19:42:38
> Hi. In regards to justherself54's post, what exactly do you mean when you say "parnate, not so social?" Also, does anyone know what non-melancholic depression is? I read at wikipedia that parnate is used to treat depression without melancholia? Thanks for listening. Noelle
>I cant of course speak for her,however parnate might not have for some as strong social benifits then for others.
Just in theory,the reasoning behind this is Nardil has a Gaba increasing effect,unlike benzos nardil actual helps the body create overall gaba,gaba as most know is the prime culprit in social phobias and anxieties,as well as panic.Most anxiety drugs,legal and not,all effect the gaba system some how,Nardil is one of these and its known for its effect on gaba.Parnate on the other hand is a stronger stimulant type of drug,increasing dopamine and noradrenaline,which usualy bring help lift people out of depression,however parnate lack of gaba effects cause it to be more of a power and go sort of effect,with less stop and chat.
Parnate usualy isnt taken alone for long,and most people end up augmenting it with some form of gaba drug,usualy a benzo such as klonopin or xanax.
There is little debate over gaba being involved in social enhancment,there is however lots to learn as to just how gaba does so.
Posted by Justherself54 on August 10, 2008, at 9:36:57
In reply to Re: Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by noellejc on August 6, 2008, at 19:42:38
> Hi. In regards to justherself54's post, what exactly do you mean when you say "parnate, not so social?" Also, does anyone know what non-melancholic depression is? I read at wikipedia that parnate is used to treat depression without melancholia? Thanks for listening. Noelle
When I was on Nardil I wanted to chat and be social..it was wonderful for that...on Parnate I could care less if I'm social, although when I am in social situations, I do very well. Sort of an example, on Nardil I couldn't wait to go to visit friend's and go dancing but any type of thing that required great focus was hard. On Parnate, I'm content to stay at home and spend hours seaching and reloading drivers on my old computer that crashed. I feel smarter on Parnate which sounds strange. Nardil caused me to transpose not just letters when I typed but whole words. I don't know the reason but that's what it was like.
Posted by dcruik518 on August 10, 2008, at 11:25:25
In reply to Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by noellejc on August 5, 2008, at 14:49:08
> Hi. I'm new to PsychoBabble and was looking to find some info about Nardil and Parnate. I've had treatment-resistant depression for 20 yrs and my psychiatrist and I are now considering MAOI's. Honestly, reading about all the side effects scares me. I also struggle with compulsive overeating. We've talked about Nardil, but because I already struggle with food, I'm worried about the weight gain. Does anyone know what percentage of people on Nardil actually gain weight? My psychiatrist suggested trying Parnate instead if I was worried. Can anyone tell me what Parnate is like vs. Nardil? I know this might sound superficial. I'm just trying to make the best descision for me based on my symptoms. I suffer from atypical depression, compulsive overeating, body dysphoric disorder, mild OCD, and I am in recovery from addiction. Thanks for any input. Noelle
Hi Noelle,
Nardil tends to be most effective for social anxiety and dysthymia. It also causes MUCH MORE weight gain that Parnate. Parnate is a more energizing drug, but since, unlike Nardil, it doesn't raise brain GABA levels, it's not as good for anxiety. With your symptoms and being overweight--which is very serious health concern in itself--I would go with Parnate first, and give it a good trial. MAOIs typically seem to take longer to start working than other anti-depressants, six - eight weeks. For more thorough information comparing the two drugs, see this excellent article: http://www.psychotropical.com/maois_full.shtmlGood luck,
Dwight
Posted by noellejc on August 11, 2008, at 13:30:05
In reply to Re: Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by dcruik518 on August 10, 2008, at 11:25:25
Thanks to everyone who responded to my post. I am in the middle of the process of getting off all the psychiatric meds I am on in preparation to go on an MAOI. This process sucks. I didn't think all the meds I was on were really helping, and they weren't helping much, but apparently they helped a little because all my depressive symptoms have gotten worse in the process. Anyway, it may sound like a silly question, but... everyone has been answering all my questions and I feel like I need to be doing something to give back. What is the best way? Do you guys just read all the posts for MAOI's and respond to the posts where you feel you can be helpful? I have no experience to offer on MAOI's(yet), and am afraid I wouldn't have much positive to say on other anti-depressants. However, I would like to participate. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Noelle
Posted by UGottaHaveHOPE on August 12, 2008, at 0:16:42
In reply to Re: Nardil vs. Parnate, posted by noellejc on August 11, 2008, at 13:30:05
If you really want to help, then post your experiences on your MAOI trial and be as detailed as possible with what you taking, what you are feeling, etc.
It will help so many because so many are interested and when they see what someone else experiences, for better or for worse, it may impact them.
So please put every 4-5 days "Nardil, Day 1" ... "Nardil, Day 5" etc. And the best thing, is that if you are struggling, others in here will have suggestions for you.
Im excited for your trial.
This is the end of the thread.
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