Posted by maryhelen on April 22, 2003, at 21:39:58
In reply to Re: Anyone take IMITREX w/ depression meds? » maryhelen, posted by Snoozy on April 22, 2003, at 19:45:14
Snoozy:
I know what you're saying about an MAOI being a good thing to try but there's no way you can give up the Imitrex. My pdoc had suggested for 8 months to try Parnate but I told him I could not give up the Imitrex. Anyone who suffers severe migraine would understand this. However, my depression became so bad that I realized I had to try. I had been on almost every med for depression and I was at my wits end. My family doctor of 33 years had retired at the same time so I was seeing clinic doctors for a while. When I had the Imitrex prescribed by them I did not tell them I was taking Parnate. I knew they wouldn't give it to me if I did. My pdoc did not know I was getting it. I took the chance and fortunately everything was fine. I used the injectible between 2 and 4 times a week. I know it was very stupid but my migraine headaches were so severe that if I was without my medication I would have to go to the emergency room at the hospital for treatment. Also, I know my body has a very high tolerance for drugs.
I certainly would not recommend this for anyone as we are all so different. One of the things that has happened about three months after taking Parnate is that I am not getting the migraines anymore, which is an absolute miracle. I started getting migraines when I was 13 and I am now 51. They certainly effect every aspect of your life and don't go well with depression. I might have had a few breakthroughs at which time I asked a friend for Zomig or the *delicious* orally disintegrating tables that she used but I can't tell you the last time I got a migraine which is a miracle.
If you are thinking of trying an MAOI remember that it may also give you relief from your migraines as well as the depression. I find it very interesting that the headache clinic in the early 90's suggested MAOI's and getting off the daily pain meds. I ended up being addicted to pain meds and the Parnate has eliminated migraines. It sounds like they were right on the money.
Whatever decision you make I wish you all the best of luck.
maryhelen
poster:maryhelen
thread:221526
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030417/msgs/221638.html