Posted by Yukio on May 23, 2014, at 13:03:41
In reply to Re: Psychosis after decreasing nardil, posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2014, at 17:20:40
Eric and Phillipa,
Thank you both so much for responding. I get what you are both saying, but the only time ever that he had a manic episode was when starting the Nardil and the dose was too high. While on the Nardil for 5 years, he was definitely more productive, but his personality was different, like I described earlier, but now completely off the Nardil, he has sunk into a deeper depression than ever before, even pre-nardil. When I say he is restless, it's more of an agitation, he can't get comfortable, doesn't know what to do, can't motivate himself to do anything. He paces a lot and sits and has intrusive disturbing thoughts of what a "bad person" he is. We are not sure why the psychosis came on, but I believe it had to do with the guilt and shame feelings of the DUI and the license restriction, plus the extra stress at work.
His narcissistic mother raised him telling him he was perfect, and he was smarter and better than all the other kids, and she isolated him. This put immense pressure on him growing up that still is a problem for him relating to people. He was never allowed to develop as a normal person who has flaws for fear of disappointing his mother. Although, it had the opposite effect and he grew up feeling shame and guilt because he knew he wasn't perfect and had to deal with people who were smarter etc, so consequently he developed social anxieties etc. But he is a very kind and gentle person normally, only when he was on the nardil he became confrontational and angry and he acted like he was always the victim. He placed blame for all his behavior on others, (except his mother, never his mother) Now it's the opposite, he internalizes with exaggerated feelings, his guilt, shame and blame.
I too do not really think at this point that what he is experiencing now is nardil withdrawal. It's been too long for a chemical reaction to last. But, I wonder if the nardil had such a profound effect on his mood, that the psychological let down is more the problem. Nardil is such a powerful drug.
I just don't know, but it's tough seeing him suffer. I will bring up to him and his psychiatrist what you both mentioned and see if it resonates at all.
Thanks again.
poster:Yukio
thread:1065960
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140512/msgs/1066019.html