Posted by Questionmark on October 28, 2004, at 6:02:51
In reply to Re: I AM THE AUSSIE NARDIL CHAMP!!!, posted by ravenstorm on October 27, 2004, at 11:35:45
> I have a question about nardil for all you champs and also anyone else using the drug successfully. How much weight do most people gain? And (Okay I guess I have more than one question) how bad are sexual side effects? What is the discontinuation syndrome if you stop taking it? Do you get sick trying to start it? (I get really sick starting and stopping SSRIs) What about low blood pressure? Can you still exercise? Does nardil cause that thing that you fall asleep in the middle of the day like I've heard about with other MAOI's? Is the dosage really figured out by your weight?
>
> Thanks
"How much weight do most people gain?"Some people (like myself, of course, who WISHES to gain weight [isn't that how it always works?] gain very little to none, while others happen to gain a lot. It seems to vary a lot more than with other drugs like Zyprexa and Remeron (almost always causes considerable weight gain) and SSRIs (cause a slight loss or gain in weight, or nothing). If you resist the carbohydrate cravings that can occur you should be okay.
"And (Okay I guess I have more than one question) how bad are sexual side effects?"
Horrendous. (Can gradually subside with time though.)
"What is the discontinuation syndrome if you stop taking it?"Very similar to SSRI withdrawal, but the depression seems to come on a good deal faster than with SSRI withdrawal. Diarrhea, anxiety, deep depression, insomnia, MAJor REM rebound with vivid dreams and nightmares (typically), and other symptoms are fairly common consequences of discontinuation, and are those that i experienced. Since starting a little over a year ago (generally 60mg), i have never gone off for more than a few days though, so i do not know how long the withdrawal lasts or how severe it is after time.
"Do you get sick trying to start it?
(I get really sick starting and stopping SSRIs)"Sometimes, somewhat. i did not. Is definitely not as bad as SSRIs in the arena, as a general rule.
"What about low blood pressure? Can you still exercise?"
i never had a problem with my blood pressure being too low (i.e., it's been lower than before Nardil but has never caused problems). i've had no problems exercising either (no more than usual anyway- hah). This (hypotension) seems to be largely a dose-related phenomenon, but is not too too common.
"Does nardil cause that thing that you fall asleep in the middle of the day like I've heard about with other MAOI's?"
Yes. In my experience it does not even compare with Parnate, however. Also, i have come to the conclusion that this side effect only occurs if i take two pills in the morning rather than spreading them out.
"Is the dosage really figured out by your weight?"
To my knowledge, few doctors use this method of dosing Nardil anymore. i think it's a ridiculous method anyway. Yes, there may be a relatively consistent proportion of MAO-inhibition to Nardil dose, but people's body chemistries are different. Various dosages of medication (or ratios of drug to body weight) are appropriate/ effective for different people, and i see no reason why this should be any different with Nardil.
Finally, insomnia is also a huge problem with some people on Nardil, while it is not a problem at all for others (i'm in this latter category). Some people also seem to get bad edema, while most people (i believe) don't get the problem at all (i also never have).
i am one of those fortunate people who have been truly blessed by Nardil. It has been a miraculous drug for me, and may have very well saved my life (at least for the time being).
(Post Post: wow, i've just realized from typing this that the development of a particular side effect from Nardil really seems to vary a lot.)
poster:Questionmark
thread:406878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041024/msgs/408261.html