Posted by Robin on July 31, 1999, at 9:32:13
In reply to Re: Marplan , posted by Robin on July 30, 1999, at 19:37:38
> > Robin,
> >
> > It's WAY to early for either of us to make a decision about Marplan and we might not even be at our most beneficial dosages yes. Some of what we're feeling right now - my headaches, your dizziness - may be *early* side effects that will disappear in time (maybe tomorrow, maybe in a month...). If you feel a lessening of your depression, consider that a very good sign! You can work on the side effects along the way - perhaps dosage changes or supplementing with other meds.
> >
> > It seems all MAOI's have some common, very prominent side effects. From my *vast* experience with Nardil, I can tell you that the disturbed sleep stage lasts quite a while, but I was able to live with it by taking .50 to 1 mg of Xanax before going to bed. After several months, I didn't need the Xanax anymore and slept well.
> >
> > Since Marplan and Nardil are similar in chemical make-up, I can already tell that we are probably dealng with a weight-gain side effect, which never dissipated for me on Nardil. The only advice I can give you there is TRY and TRY AGAIN not to indulge your cravings!!! I know so well that eating becomes almost a 'religious experience' when taking an MAOI and snacking on frozen grapes just doesn't cut it when all you can think about is a hot fudge sundae with a dozen brownies for dessert! It's a demon you have to fight continuously or it will snowball out of control, trust me on this.
> >
> > I did try Parnate once for a very brief period. For me it was much too enervating - like living in a constant anxiety attack. I think Parnate's amphetimine-like attributes might help avoid the weight gain, but I can't imagine ever getting a night's sleep while taking it. But that's me...
> >
> > Try to be patient with the Marplan for a while longer, stay in touch with your doctor about what you're feeling AND watch out for those sweets/carbo cravings (suck on ice chips to numb your taste buds and clean out a drawer or something!).
> >
> > Judy
> >
> >
> > > Judy, I don't know what to think of Marplan. 2 weeks on 20mgs. I can't sleep and I am dizzy at times. Did you experience this ? My big problem is Food, I can't stop eating. The positive thing is my depression has lifted a little. I have gained 5 pounds in 2 weeks.
> > >
> > > Have you tried Parnate?
> > >
> > > Robin
>
> Judy, Thank you so much for the information. This is my first time on a Maoi. I wont give up on this drug yet! I am taking Marplan for Social Phobia, Atypical depression. I also have ADD I was on Dexedrine for 4 years and many other AD medications.So far Marplan seems to be the most promising for me and I've tried alot of the other meds. Thanks Again for your time.
> RobinHi Judy, If I do decide to switch from Marplan to Parnate do I have to have a washout period ?
Thanks,
Robin
poster:Robin
thread:9384
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990726/msgs/9434.html