Posted by sabre on October 5, 2004, at 4:25:10
Hi
After dabbling in Paxil, Serzone, Lexapro and not gaining relief from social anxiety and panic and only limited success with Propranolol (beta blocker) I returned to the gp last week.
I brought home a sample box of Moclobemide. It is a weird feeling, wondering if it it will be 'the one' or whether it is a package of disappointment and side effects.I started on 1/2 the therapeutic dosage = 150mg. Pretty daring? (I started on 1/4 with the Serzone and Lexapro and experienced strong side effects.)
So far this drug has been different. The gp said to take it at lunch but I got so curious and anxious(good sort) to try it that I took it after breakfast. The first three days were similar:
After 2 hrs: Felt relaxed in the shoulders (good!!) and slightly dazed but not exactly tired or sleepy
Around 4 hrs - 6 hrs: Felt giggly like I would after a glass of alcohol.
After lunch - felt good. Was able to concentrate on reading and felt on the ball. Felt quite energetic but not agitated at all like Lexapro.
By dinner I felt as though it had all worn off and had a very light headache in the back of the head.
Slept well..dreams ok and present. No early morning waking between 3-5am like Lexapro.I know people seem to refer to these early reactions as placebo effects but I was expecting the worst and it didn't eventuate. Can't help thinking these effects are the result of a pure surge of serotonin/NE/dopamine before the regulatory mechanisms of a thwarted brain go into overdrive and send the brain see-sawing back and forwards.
Went to work today where the SA/panic is the biggest problem. I took a beta blocker in my pocket but didn't use it. I was determined not to. Felt nervy. It was odd I had a couple of interactions where I felt great - really relaxed and articulate but by morning tea felt anxious and at lunch worse with a few flashes of plain panic. All the usual difficulties making eye contact and wearing the frozen moronic grin and struggling just to eat and drink in public amongst workmates. Such a pleasure.
I felt really drained and crabby by the time I got home. Don't know what to think yet. I have to double the dose in a couple of days.
Few observations:
- I usually chain drink decaf coffee but I've lost the urge!
- the appetitie is a bit blunted
- the breathing problem while running improved
- apparently Moclo helped rats extend their swimming times i.e. helped their aerobic endurance. I haven't noticed this. In fact I felt a little lethargic as though all the peripheral blood vessels were dilated while running. It felt like running in the heat.So far the lack of side effects is brilliant but it will take a few weeks before I know how much it's going to help. The packing info said around 4-6 weeks - give or take a few months, I suppose!
sabre
poster:sabre
thread:399047
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041002/msgs/399047.html