Posted by Phoenix1 on February 8, 2008, at 8:03:41
In reply to Re: Thoughts please...next step Nardil? - Phoenix1, posted by Four Feathers on February 7, 2008, at 17:20:16
> > Hi Four Feathers,
> >
> > I'm on Nardil and it's been a miracle. I also responded poorly to all the SSRIs: no improvement and lots of side effects. I've had far fewer side effects with Nardil than any other AD i've been on. (and I have tried most of them) I think all the fear around Nardil is greatly exaggerated. As long as you stick to the diet and avoid contraindicated medications, it's pretty darn safe and undeniably effective for many people. And an added benefit for both you and I: it can lower blood pressure significantly.
> >
> > The diet is very easy to follow once you get the hang of it. I don't really feel deprived or like I'm missing out on anything. And I've made the odd mistake, like eating a taco with some shredded cheese, and have not sufferred any ill effects.
> >
> > What specifically are your concerns besides the diet?
> >
> > One question: why atenolol for high blood pressure? If possible, you should steer clear of the beta blockers if you have depression. They can worsen things significantly. You might want to look at switching your antihypertensive to an ACE inhibitor or an ARB. Fewer psychiatric side effects.
> >
> > PX1
>
>
> Hello Phoenix1,
>
> Thank you for taking the time to respond. From what I have heard, those that choose to make the switch to an MAOI often achieve dramatic results that they had not seen previously from other meds.
>
> My pdoc said that many of the side effects are exaggerated as well. The diet is one of the main side effects I am concerned about, is there a good MAOI diet list avaiable online or elsewhere that you are aware of. Additionally, have you experienced any sexual side effects as compared to other ADs (I am male)? What about weight gain and ability to exercise regularly? I am active in athletics and want to remain so.
>
> I am on a beta blocker b/c I didn't know any better 10 years ago when they put me on this for hypertension. It is now obvious to me that, while this is preventing blood pressure headaches and keeping bp in check, it is also negatively impacting concentration, organization, mood, etc. The root cause of my hypertension is, as I and my current pdoc believe, anxiety and potentially dysthymia. I had brought this up to at least three different physicians over the years (at least two diff pdocs) and they all told me that "the low dose you are on would not create depressive side effects". I now know differently and this is one of the first things my new pdoc pointed out.
>
> I have an appt tomorrow with my prescribing physician to look at switching over to an ACE inhibitor and slowly discontinue the BB.
>
> 4F
>Hi Four Feathers,
I agree with your pdoc, people tend to exagerate MAOI side effects. My experience has been that they are minor and very different than SSRI's in some ways.
Here are a couple good links to MAOI diet issues:
www.dr-bob.org/tips/maoi.html
www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010814/msgs/75408.html
Sexual side effects? Unfortunately, yes, anorgasmia (but otherwhise normal functioning) is a common side effect, but many people say if you wait long enough it will go away.
Weight Gain? I've gained much less weight than on other ADs. Maybe 10lbs over 3 months. But I could have controlled that a lot better too. I haven't been watching what I eat too carefully, except to pay attention to the MAOI diet.
Excercise? You may have to put up with some hypotension initially which can cause dizziness. Although if you are hypertensive like me, all it did was lower my blood pressure to normal levels. And some people experience some tiredness on Nardil. I experienced more energy, and I can excercise without problem. The one side effect I have that might impact serious athletics is a bit of loss of balance and clumsiness. I only noticed this at higher doses.
I hope this helps. If all else has failed, give Nardil a try. It isn't as bad as many people expect it to be. And good for you for pushing to get off the BB! Hopefully that will improve things all by itself.
Phoenix
poster:Phoenix1
thread:810906
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080207/msgs/811484.html