Posted by PhoenixGirl on May 21, 2004, at 22:31:49
I'm really scared because I'm about to transition to Parnate, an MAOI. The scary thing is that I have to reduce my current meds for one week, then go two weeks WITHOUT antidepressants!
I'm 26 and have been on antidepressants since I was 13. My depression has been severe, chronic rather than episodic, and often suicidal. I've required ECT a couple of years ago as well. Since I have tried almost every antidepressant there is without recovering from the depression, I'm about to try Parnate, because the MAOI drugs are the only kind I haven't tried.
When I've tried to reduce my meds in the past, I get really really REALLY depressed. It will probably get to the point that I can't go to work. But I really have to get through this period so I can start the Parnate. An MAOI is my last hope. I am just so afraid that the brutal agony of my depression will lead me to go back on my current meds too soon, so that I couldn't try the Parnate. There is also the horrible possibility that Parnate either won't work or will have intolerable side effects, in which case I have to wait ANOTHER 2 weeks for it to wash out so I can start my old meds again.
Going through this would be easier if I had family or friends for support. But I have no friends, my twin sister doesn't talk to me, my dad is depressed, and my mother is seriously manic depressive. I will be facing this alone. I've faced almost everything in life alone, in fact, and I can't believe I'm still alive.
I'm just so afraid. It is crucial that I survive the next several weeks until I'm on the Parnate and it starts working.
poster:PhoenixGirl
thread:349435
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040521/msgs/349435.html