Posted by gardenergirl on May 1, 2004, at 19:08:02
In reply to Re: SLS, Thank you, posted by SLS on May 1, 2004, at 18:17:53
Racer,
Just thought I would share my experience on Nardil. If you've heard this before from me, I apologize. Can't remember if we talked about this before.Nardil has been the only AD that has been effective for my atypical depression. My main symptoms were excessive sleeping (I think related to just wanted to hide in bed and not do anything), mood reactivity (not always feeling sad and blue...I could laugh at funny stuff, but just didn't last), rejection sensitivity (leads to major avoidance behaviors on my part), and a type of leaden paralysis (I knew I needed to get up and out of bed, but I couldn't make myself move.)
I was worried about the dietary restrictions as well, and in fact rejected my T's suggestion for about 2 months before deciding to try it. I had been on Celexa and Wellbutrin, so I had to taper off of those and wash out before I started on the Nardil. During that wash out period I "practiced" the diet to make sure I could really do it. It wasn't that bad, even when I was following it religiously. Although I still miss certain cheeses, like Irish Cheddar, Havarti, etc.
Here's what I have learned through research both empirical and personal: I can drink red or white wine in moderation (2-3 glasses, which is my limit, anyway 'cuz I'm a lightweight.) I can have mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, and goat cheese (admittedly haven't eaten the goat cheese in quantity, still testing that one.) So pizza is in!!!! Yeah!! I have also read that you can have Brie, if you don't eat the rind. Haven't tried that yet. I can have sour cream and yogurt if they are not too close to the expiration date. I've even had things with the dreaded and ubiquitous "autolyzed yeast extract" in it without a reaction, but I'm careful to note how far down on the ingredients list it comes (the lower it is the greater the likelihood of smaller amount). I can have domestic beer, including Sam Adams, just can't have tap beer (gave me gas, anyway) or microbrews. I plan to try an Amstel Light soon, but I will continue to stay away from my beloved Bass Ale.
The only tyramine reaction I had (and it was never verified that my BP was elevated) was at Thanksgiving. My aunt used the giblets in the dressing. Oops, Mom never did that, so it never occurred to me. After dinner I had a doozy of a headache/migraine for about 2 1/2 hours. It went away on its own.
Eating out at restaraunts can be a challenge. You have to read the menu carefully and ask the server a lot of questions. I printed out business card sized cards with the restrictions on it. This has worked out well. I pick out one or two entrees, hand them the card, and ask the server to check with the cook/chef to see what they recommend given my limitations. I have never had to go hungry at a restaurant, although I have had to pass up things I would have ordered in the past.
Hope this helps. More important, I hope you find what will work for you as much as Nardil has worked for me. I don't even have much in the way of SE's anymore. Joy!
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:342188
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040429/msgs/342284.html