Posted by Elizabeth on October 13, 2001, at 17:52:18
In reply to Parnate and Nardil questions, posted by John Rey on October 12, 2001, at 21:26:02
> First I like to say that I suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder (or social phobia), so much so that I also have what is called Avoidant Personality Disorder.
FWIW, there's no real difference between generalized social phobia and "avoidant personality disorder." Diagnostically, they're indistinguishable.
> I have also Panic Disorder, too.
So what you're saying is that you're a very anxious person?!
> I have tried almost every AD med with little or no success. The only two meds that help me were the benzos Klonopin and Xanax, especially the Xanax. The klonopin works but only about half of the time.
Were you taking them regularly (like, 2-4 times a day) or "as needed?" Benzodiazepines are probably the best-tolerated medications for social phobia and panic disorder.
> One of the questions I have is would Parnate or Nardil be more effective for the conditions I have?
Yes, MAOIs are very effective for both social phobia and panic disorder.
> Also do they affect the major neurotransmitters the same or differently?
About the same. One major difference is that Nardil increases the concentration of GABA in the brain.
> Does it depend on dosage of Parnate or Nardil?
I think Nardil is better for anxiety, while Parnate may have stimulant-like effects. (Parnate is still effective for anxiety disorders, though, so don't rule it out.)
> Which one would be more faster acting?
Hard to predict, but MAOIs often seem to start working faster than other antidepressants.
> Lastly, which of these two meds (Parnate or Nardil) would affect my memory or cognitive skills more, if at all?
Can't predict. I didn't have such problems with either one, though.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:81160
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011007/msgs/81237.html