Posted by ChicagoKat on September 25, 2012, at 17:25:38
In reply to Parnate vs stimulants, posted by alchemy on September 25, 2012, at 11:16:25
> Sorry, another question. I have taken ritalin and dex here and there, mostly at work. There have been times that it helps to different degrees of motivation and sometimes mood. Because this is the only thing after many meds that has had any positive effects, my dr thought i should try taking it more frequently and consistently. And of course i am more aware of the crashes (every 3 hrs with long-acting), and its not as helpful. Because ive also realized there is a start-up phase i dont think taking breaks works either.
> I have become more worried because of some of the crashes have been real depressing, weird feelings going to sleep, long term effects. And what would happen if i didnt have ritalin available?!
> As i searched the web i found add people who put up with the mood crash, even if it is every few hours. They may need it to function at work, etc. So now i wonder if the subtle amount of help that it can sometimes give me is worth all of the negatives. Withdrawal and especially trying to funtion at work frighten me.
> Any thoughts r welcome. My life is usually get through work, get through the rest of the day, get through the weekend.
> And then the parnate trial option. Does it often help with motivation? At this point in my life, almost 40, and remembering that i said i would give myself until 30- med withdrawals and med trials that often go wrong = not good. I am freaking out more as i realize that i may seriously be one of those who does "it". It wasnt suppose to be this way.
>
Dear Alchemy,
I can so sympathize with you. I took Nardil and it was like a wonder drug; my anxiety disappeared and my depression started to fade. Then I developed ataxia(incoordination) and experienced several falls b/c of the Nardil. It's a very rare side effect of Nardil. But my pdoc and I call me Side Effect Girl; if there's a rare side effect I'll get it. But anyways,, the Nardil was stopped, though I did notice a sweet spot where the dose wasn't so high and I still felt good. Anyways, after many drug failures my pdoc started me on Ritalin. It was great at first, gave me energy, motivation, and the ability to enjoy life. Then I started having the crashes and experiencing bad side effects like nausea and anxiety. I was on IR Ritalin, and it got so that after taking it, I only experienced about an hour of good effects. then that time shrank to nothing. I'm off it completely now. My opinion is the stimulants just aren't worth it,fighting with the crashes, the side effects, wondering if it will work or not. So now I'm back on a washout and we are going to try Nardil again at a lower dose so I don't get the ataxia. At least I know that my anxiety will be wiped out. That in itself will be a Godsend. And maybe, with time, my depression will be helped too. A couple of other people here on psycho babble have recommended adding Nortriptyline to the Nardil to help more with the depression.
Anywyas, enough about myself, more about you. I personally think you are having such a rough time with the stimulants you should consider giving them up. If Parmate helps you, go for it. Or try something else, unless you're like me and have tried it all. Anyways, of the two, I vote for Parnate, or even Nardil. But that is just my opinion, of course. You have to decide for yourself what is best for you. Feel free to ask me any questions should you have any. Best of luck to you.
Regards,
Kat
p.s. I NEVER thought I'd reach 47 and be going through this and considering "it" myself.
poster:ChicagoKat
thread:1026619
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120922/msgs/1026648.html