Posted by Cam W. on April 3, 2000, at 13:19:38
In reply to Re: SAM-e and Parnate? Anyone else? Please help!, posted by Anna P. on April 3, 2000, at 10:44:00
> >
> > Anna - As with any switch from one antidepressant to an MAOI, it is probably a good idea to give the SAM-e a 2 week washout...
>
> Thanks, Cam. I can't really stand waiting 2 weeks. I'm too much depressed.
> is it really not safe to switch with a 2 day break? - Anna P.
>
Anna - Sorry, I really don't know how SAM-e works, but if it has serotonergic properties it may cause a heart attack (hypertensive crisis) if taken with an MAOI. Then again, it may not. Myself, I believe that waiting 2 more weeks, as opposed to being hooked up to heart monitors, is a far less depressing situation. If you are suicidal or so low that you do not think you can survive without an antidepressant for the next 2 weeks, see your doctor and perhaps get some benzodiazepines or other anxiolytic to take the edge off of your feelings. Maybe someone out in Babbleland has had experience with this switch, but I say better to be safe than sorry.Sorry that I cannot help you anymore than that. I am just stating the advice I would give to any client, therapist or psychiatrist who would have asked me the same question. Sincerely - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:28568
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000401/msgs/28749.html