Posted by cassandracomplex on March 24, 2013, at 16:27:14
In reply to Nardil or Parnate Success Stories, posted by brynb on March 22, 2013, at 15:35:11
I've been on and off Parnate since about 2005.
It has done what every other antidepressant I've tried (Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, Effexor, Cymbalta, Luvox, Wellbutrin, desipramine, nortriptyline) + various augmentation strategies and even ECT failed to do: it made me happy. Actually happy. Appreciating a beautiful day, becoming more social, enjoying writing again, even traveling on my own internationally.
Unfortunately, there are side effects. Sleep issues are a major one (please see post at the bottom regarding Parnate and circadian rhythms) but the trade-off is worth it. I feel like Parnate makes me into the person I was meant to be, the person I was before I ever had my first major depressive episode. I think it's a shame that these drugs are used so infrequently and have such stigma attached to them.
I have a friend who feels similarly about Nardil - after years of ECT and being a "frequent flier" in hospitals and suicide attempts, she is now working on getting her PhD and thanked me for suggesting she try a MAOI because it didn't only save her life ... it gave her a life to live.
That's how I feel about Parnate.
poster:cassandracomplex
thread:1040887
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130322/msgs/1040979.html