Posted by gardenergirl on August 9, 2004, at 7:47:18
In reply to All current and former NARDIL users!! Need advice, posted by Michael Bell on August 8, 2004, at 21:01:46
> I once tried Nardil for about 3 weeks, and it was the best med for SP I've ever tried (in combo with Klonopin). But the side effect profile scared me too much.
I'm glad to hear you did well on it. I agree, the side effects can be off-putting, but for myself, I'll trade some tolerable side effects in order to not be depressed. My diagnosis is atypical depression, which is also usually responsive to MAOI's.
> 1) How real is the hypertensive crisis risk if I follow the diet?
If you follow the diet and there are never any "oops" then the risk should be fairly low, IMO and in my experience. HOWEVER, even when you are being very vigilant about the diet, sometimes it's hard to know exactly what is in foods. I had a hypertensive reaction on Thanksgiving from the dressing, which had the broth from the giblets (including chicken liver) in it. I typically don't use the giblets, so it didn't occur to me that they would be included. d'oh! I wouldn't call it a crisis, just a migraine for about 2 hours...BP was normal within about 2 hours of onset without any treatment for it. Restaurants can also be a problem. Most have been very accomdating to me. I printed out a business sized card with the restrictions on it to hand to wait staff when I order. I ask them to check with the chef/cook to make sure what I ordered is okay or for them to make recommendations for me.
Please remember, though that your results may vary. I drink red and white wine, eat mozzarella and provolone cheese, yogurt, and chocolate and caffeine within normal limits. According to older published diets and according to the package insert that comes with the Nardil, these would be no-no's. I also do not tend to leave leftovers very long. I am leery of eating them now, and usually palm them off on my hubby. ;)
Also, individuals vary in their sensitivity to tyramine, so what is okay for some is not for others. When I was washing out my prior meds, I "practiced" the diet to make sure I could handle it. I was very very cautious at first, and gradually added in items that have proven via research and others' responses to be fairly benign. So my diet is less restrictive now, but I still do not eat anything I want.
>
> 2) What is the best med to block a hypertensive crisis from occurring?I admit I have no experience with this. I do not carry anything. I have seen nifedipine (ProCardia) used by others who post. I believe that Klonopin may also be used, as one of the side effects that can be found with that is lowered BP.
> 3) Do the sexual side effects ever go away?In my experience, yes, but it took about 4 months. I just increased my dose to 75 mg from 60 mg, and the sexual SE's have returned. I am hoping that they go away again. Again, others may have different experiences.
>
> 4) Finally, what is your overall feeling regarding Nardil as long term treatment for SP?I have heard it is very effective, but I do not have SP, so I can't answer this from personal experience. Ace, a poster from Oz is very very high on Nardil for SP. I am sure he can give you a more informed opinion about this.
>Good luck to you and please let us know how you do.
Take care,
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:375433
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040805/msgs/375548.html