Posted by Lorraine on November 16, 2001, at 10:33:14
In reply to Re: MAOI for Atypical other than Parnate » sjb, posted by Sparkboy on November 15, 2001, at 15:29:51
John:
This is Lorraine. I have atypical depression and have tried Parnate (too aggitating); Nardil (allergic reaction); Mocloebemide (too much anxiety even with Neurontin thrown in). My anxiety is low grade panic attacks. At this point, I am thinking about Marplan--would you please expand on what you have to say about Marplan? It is very difficult to find info on this drug. I know one woman who is one it and she says that she has the histamine (stuffy nose) side effect and sexual dysfunction. I'd really appreciate your views. I see my pdoc on Monday to decide on a new strategy.
Lorraine
> Hi, I have atypical depression too. Parnate worked perfectly for me, but quit after 3 months. That was many years ago. If you really have atypical depression, then you probably need an MAOI. Do be put off by your experience with Parnate; it is the most potent of the lot. I have tried all of them (US). Marplan is almost as stimulating; Nardil was mellower, but neither gave me the true AD effect I got with Parnate.
>
> After many years of trials, I ended up on moclobemide, which I get by mail from Canada. It prevents the oversleeping and seasonal variations, though I get no true AD effect.
>
> Anxiety is a very strong component of atypical depression. I get moderate anxiety control from a low dose of Neurontin (600 mg/day). For sleep, I take Ambien 2-3 nights a week.
>
> Going inpatient might be just what you need. Find a teaching hospital at a university--they are generally up on the latest things and aren't afraid to medicate with an MAOI. I wasted years trying re-uptake inhibitors when what I really needed was an MAOI. Tricyclics, SSRIs, etc. are useless to me.
>
> Anxiety is a terrible trap; you get so boxed in you can't even think. Give the inpatient thing serious consideration. You'll get all kinds of tests you might not on the outside.
>
> Good luck.
> --John
poster:Lorraine
thread:83164
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84408.html