Posted by Cam W. on August 9, 2001, at 19:35:58
In reply to cal - parnate questions, posted by may_b on August 9, 2001, at 10:35:22
May - Sorry, I thought I answered this, but it didn't post (hmm....).
The guys in emerg are just going to do supportive treatment for anything that comes through the door. With the pace of scientific research these days, I'm not surprized they aren't up on the latest info.
I have heard of using the meds you mention; I think it was a European study (I am a community pharmacist and have little idea what goes on in a hospital). It seems everything is tried out in Europe (esp. Turkey, for some reason), before it makes it to the west. I really doubt the docs here would allow a person on an MAOI to carry hypertensive crisis meds with them. There are too many liability concerns. Dosage must be considered, as must knowing what you've taken when you reach the emergency room, if the recovery didn't work. Also, would you know if you were having a hypertensive crisis?
Have you talked to your doc about your reaction to the beer? You should phone him/her before you go in, so the doc will know how severe it was, and he/she can formulate a plan before you go in. Also, ask about carrying the meds you mention. The doc is less likely to dismiss the idea, if he/she has time to think about it (although I not sure it would be a good idea, for the reasons mentioned above. Also ask the doc about restarting the Parnate; five days is too long to wait.
I would recommend a Medic Alert-type bracelet or chain for anyone taking MAOIs. Also, learning as much as you can about the drugs you are taking (as you have) empowers a person to take charge of there illness, and not leave it all up to the doctor. You are doing the right thing by researching the meds (perhaps take a copy of any articles you have with you to your appointment), but don't read to much into the articles. It takes some finesse and understanding to properly interpret what a study is really trying to say (if anything). Also be aware of what you are ordering in a restaurant and ask the waiter or waitress to ask the chef if you have any suspicions about a dish. Let anyone who you dine with know that you have restrictions to your diet and educate them in what to do in case you should have a hypertensive crisis (call 911). Follow the food guide on MAOIs; it's better to be safe than sorry (as you know).
There is no need to fear medications, but one should respect them, no matter how seemingly safe (or dangerous) they are.
I know this isn't much, but I hope that it is of some help. Again, I stress to call the doc to see if you should restart the Parnate. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:74195
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74377.html