Posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 15:26:35
In reply to Re: Why R there diet restrictions w/ MAOI's? » Janelle, posted by fachad on March 30, 2002, at 6:18:20
Fachad,
First, thanks for the explanation about MAOI's and diet restrictions. My understanding now is that if a person is on an MAOI, which inhibits MAO from breaking down tyramine, and a person eats tyramine containing food, the tyramine which would then be *free* so to speak would shoot the person's BP through the roof.
What about a person with chronic LOW BP? This question literally just occurred to me as I'm typing this! Let's say I was on an MAOI and ate food that contained tyramine, with my low BP, would it still be raised so (too) high, or might it just reach a normal level?!!! Hmmm ... ironically, whenever I go to a doc and they take my BP they tell me I'm "lucky" to have low BP - everyone is so concerned about high BP, but lemme tell you, low BP is the pits. It makes you tired and lethargic, you get dizzy if you stand up too fast, and a host of other bothersome symptoms. Not that I want high BP, I just want NORMAL BP, like I used to have.
I've asked various docs what can be done about low BP and they kinda shrug and avoid the question. A few have told me to increase my salt intake. So it's my understanding that there's virtually nothing to do for low BP.
I have no intention of going on an MAOI, but can't help wondering if it could take care of my low BP if I did take one and ate tyramine-containing foods! Just a stupid thought ...!
poster:Janelle
thread:100948
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020327/msgs/101000.html