Posted by Budgie on September 15, 2003, at 1:44:08
In reply to p a r n a t e !, posted by wsj on September 13, 2003, at 20:50:09
Hey,
I've been on Parnate for a month now. It is *by far* the best thing I have ever tried. It is thoroughly kicking my atypical depression's butt (though I reckon I still have a long ways to go). Unfortunately, it's not helping with my social anxiety, except for in an indirect way since I actually have my energy and wits back. As for ADD, I wouldn't know personally, but my mind is *definitely* more stimulated, clear, and focused. I don't have ADD, though, so it may be a different beast altogether.
As for side effects, it's much different than an SSRI. No sexual SEs (except for increased libido!), no apathy, no fog-brain, no muscle tension and anxiety (which I found by far the most intolerable aspect of Zoloft). Parnate does seem to be a unique, tricky drug, though. The initial period of getting used to it (a week or two) was a little rough- basically more sedation and muscle weakness than I was expecting. Once I was used to it I began experiencing bad insomnia, but to tell the truth, it's a much nicer change from the physical/mental/spiritual exhaustion of the depression. Being awake late at night's not so bad if you find something more interesting to do than toss and turn in bed. Only other SE has been some kind of wacky things with my blood pressure. I get these spikes now and then of bad HYPOtension, where I feel I'm going to pass out unless I lie down. I bought a BP monitor to keep an eye on the situation, as somebody else on this board told me he started getting spontaneous hypertensive episodes. I find this to be the most unsettling aspect of the drug by far. Not to scare you; I haven't had any reactions yet, and I've tried a few things on the list in moderation (still probably not a good idea, though).
Well that's everything I have to say about Parnate for now. All in all: I can THINK, I have energy, and I feel GOOD for the first time in ages. Just gotta stay careful and respect the stuff...
Hope this helps some :)
Budgie
poster:Budgie
thread:259775
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030912/msgs/260122.html