Posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 10:12:42
In reply to Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me » Phillipa » Racer, posted by SLS on April 18, 2008, at 6:00:43
Hi, darling!
> IMHO, Nardil is the second most efficacious drug on the planet. ... My anecdotal experience with Nardil is, that after 3 or more months, side-effects are practically nil. I find the MAOIs to be generally tolerable.
And if you've read my other rant, you'll know that I'm very sensitive about this issue. I'm glad that MAOIs work so well for so many people. It's great that we have tools that help. It's great that some people have found tools which are most helpful for them.
And I often feel pressured here, when I post about my own experiences, to switch to an MAOI -- despite the valid reasons they're not options for me. In fact, I feel very alienated at times because of that.
I am certainly not saying that MAOIs are not good medications -- I'm only trying to say that they are not good medications *for everyone.* What you find tolerable, I might not. What works for you, might not work for me. It's fine to consider Nardil the second most efficacious drug *for you,* or even the second most efficacious drug in the world, as long as you concede that it may not be appropriate for everyone.
I have a huge problem with feeling hopeless about medications, with very cruel self-criticism, and with feeling as though people don't hear me. When I have posted questions about medications, and gotten back responses saying I *should* go on an MAOI instead, I get to a very dark place. I blame myself for my depression, I blame myself for not being able to put up with the adverse effects, I blame myself for being so weak that I can't take medications which might be effective. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that hurt, and alienated, and rejected when reading some of the pro-MAOI posts which sound as though they're saying MAOIs are The Answer. I don't think that's what anyone is trying to say -- I suspect that those who post here most frequently about MAOIs are trying to dispel some negative perceptions about them. On the other hand, I'd ask that everyone remember they are not for everyone, and that experiences more similar to mine are equally valid.
I guess I'm asking for understanding towards those of us who cannot, for one reason or another, take MAOIs. I'm asking for respect for our position, too; for validation; for acceptance.
I know that you and I are good buddies, and have a lot of affection for each other. I trust that you never say anything with any intent to cause me pain. I just want to remind you and others that there are a lot of different experiences out there, and they're all valid and worthy of respect...
xoxo
poster:Racer
thread:823803
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080412/msgs/823997.html