Posted by blueboy on July 18, 2008, at 11:21:16
In reply to 16 months on Nardil, posted by UGottaHaveHope on July 18, 2008, at 2:06:20
> I've been on Nardil (switching btw 30-45mg) for 16 months, along with 2mg Klonopin and 50mg of Seroquel.
>Why do you go to the lower dosage? You don't have to answer, but I'm thinking you might want to explore this.
In my experience, the correlation between taking Nardil and its effects are so long (I calculated ten days for myself) that it's entirely possible to fine-tune your blood level by varying the dose daily. For example, you could take 30mg and 45mg on alternate days.
I haven't seen anything in the literature to support this, it's purely my own idea.
Another thought is that you might be having a "poop-out" and need to try a higher dose for a few weeks.
I'm actually a bit skeptical about your lack of side effects. Nardil is such a dirty drug. I hate to say it, but it is at least possible that the lack of side effects indicates that you aren't taking enough to get the full therapeutic effects.
> Im kinda struggling now w/anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) w/symptoms of depression, therefore that's now why I am back on here searching for ... well, some hope myself.
>Sorry to hear it. One thought is whether you have been dealing with a higher level of overall stress.
> I will say the last 16 months have been the best out of the past 11 years of dealing with GAD. I've had some solid periods and once went several months without hanging out at my parents, which is my "comfort zone" when I am struggling. I have my own place, but forget about that when I am struggling.
>
> I am struggling now. And when I am struggling, I forget that I ever forget that I felt good? Does that make sense?It's not just Nardil users. It's pretty much anyone who suffers from anxiety and depression. The lower brain is a lot more powerful than the cerebral cortext.
Nevertheless, you can get some relief in this regard from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Basically, it teaches you to fight back against unrealistic feelings of permanent despair with conscious realization that the condition could improve -- and even, the near-certainty that it will improve.
[...]
> I had all the brutal Nardil side effects during the startup, but all have disappeared but daytime sedation.Your problems and/or experience are very different from mine. I would get extremely energized in the morning and stuporous in the late afternoon.
One thought is to discontinue the Seroquel or benzo, or lower the dosage. Although, in this regard, most people get a temporary unpleasant reaction (i.e. a withdrawal period) from lowering/discontinuing a benzo, because of its habituating nature.
>I am just always tired. But I guess I think of that as one of the "trade-offs" for taking the medication. For the most part, I have been better, but Nardil is not a complete cure, which makes me think now about trying another MAOI, perhaps Parnate or ... any suggestions?
>My guess would be no. Nardil is supposed to be the most "activating" of the MAOI's.
> Thanks for your input, Michael :)I hope you get back on track soon.
I was recently diagnoses as bipolar, after decades of treatment for unipolar depression. Make sure and check out that possibility. However, it might not be right, since I experienced such a rush of energy (hypomania) from Nardil.
poster:blueboy
thread:840383
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080718/msgs/840452.html