Posted by kagome on March 10, 2012, at 10:30:43
Hi all, I'm hoping to get some med-related help. I've posted a few times about starting Parnate, which I've been on for about three weeks. It's caused extreme hypersomnia (although the Wellbutrin I was taking before didn't help, thanks for the suggestion to drop that, SLS!) and more recently, crazy blood pressure changes. I have a blood pressure cuff from back in my EMT days and my BP has swung wildly between too low and too high. I'm not as worried about that (as much as I should be, probably!) as I feel that it's indicative of why it's so hard to even move. Real short bike rides (to my therapist's, the only place I can go right now) take forever, are beyond exhausting, and leave me feeling sore and sick.
Anyway, since I'm still not getting that much help from the Parnate besides possibly a tiny bit in the social anxiety arena, I'm thinking of letting it go. I know the tiredness eventually subsides but I've heard it could be another three weeks and that sounds miserable. I guess I just want to hear from people as to whether Parnate might be worth the current misery or if something else out there could work.
I have atypical major depression, including hypersomnia et al, although the inability to get out of bed used to be more psychological than physical before Parnate. I also have severe social anxiety, not wanting to leave the apartment for days (it doesn't help living in NY, if you leave you're space you're going to be talking to people!). I suppose my worst symptoms are extreme self-hatred, shame, and suicidal ideation. I'm in therapy as mentioned, which I know is important, but in my past major depressive episodes medication was vital to even getting to a place where I could work on myself - otherwise I feel like I'm just going in sad circles.
Anyway, for meds I've tried:
Luvox
Lexapro
Prozac
Paxil
elavil (all of which didn't work),
imipramine and zoloft (worked a little, esp. imipramine, but made me feel stupid which would be my absolute least favorite side effect),
Wellbutrin worked a little as an adjunct then pooped out
Effexor, which worked great then pooped out and
Lamictal, which worked great but literally made my teeth fall out and I had to d/c.As an a-typical with social anxiety I know Parnate is supposed to be one of the best, but even my p-doc thinks it's not working. I'm interested in Viibryd but SSRI's haven't necessarily worked for me before. I would very much appreciate any and all advice.
Thanks, and sorry again for the super long post...
poster:kagome
thread:1012720
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120302/msgs/1012720.html