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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cubbybear on October 30, 2004, at 7:37:21
I've been doing great on Parnate for 20 years. It's been a life saver for me in knocking out severe depression and the side effect of anxiety.
Yet over the past 3 days, I've had several personal crises blow up in my face (e.g. a theft of my belongings from my desk at work and another in a long string of infringements on my comfort and freedom in my apartment). My pdoc had said that from time to time, situations and people would come along that would cause me to feel some anxiety, but it would never be as bad as before I started with the Parnate.
I'd like to hear from anyone who has experienced intermittent (relatvely) mild anxiety while doing well on an MAOI, and how you dealt with it. I myself decided to take .5 mg. Xanax this morning, so in these instances, I've taken a benzo as needed. What about you?
Posted by linkadge on October 30, 2004, at 9:52:49
In reply to Anxiety while doing great on an MAOI, posted by cubbybear on October 30, 2004, at 7:37:21
Yes, parnate is more energising that nardil is, but can sometimes not be as effective for anxiety as nardil. I would personally do what you are doing. Take xanax as needed for the anxiety. If it persists or becomes irrational uncontrollable, I would add a bit of zyprexa.
Linkadge
Posted by jclint on October 30, 2004, at 12:17:39
In reply to Anxiety while doing great on an MAOI, posted by cubbybear on October 30, 2004, at 7:37:21
Hi cubbybear. Sorry to go off topid for a second, but was just wondering how restrictive you found the diet over your 20 years? I'm thinking very hard about whether I want to start parnate or not. Thanks, John :)
Posted by cubbybear on October 31, 2004, at 3:09:49
In reply to Re: Anxiety while doing great on an MAOI, posted by jclint on October 30, 2004, at 12:17:39
> Hi cubbybear. Sorry to go off topid for a second, but was just wondering how restrictive you found the diet over your 20 years? I'm thinking very hard about whether I want to start parnate or not. Thanks, John :)
The only diet restriction that got in the way of my pleasure was cheese. I had to make the sacrifice--would rather live without cheese for 20 years than have 1 day of depression. Then I learned last year that after all this time, the restrictions were nowhere as restrictive as I was led to believe, and I was ecstatic to hear that mozzarella cheese and pizza was safe. I myself can attest to that now.
My big problem or potential problem is not the diet restrictions, but the limitations on anaesthesia and pain killers. I'm 55 now and hope that I never get into a situation calling for either of these, such as emergency surgery.
In my opinion, people spend too much time crying and moaning about the diet restrictions, when they should really learn all about the potential drug interactions. Severe pain and anaesthesia can happen to anybody.
Posted by Ilene on October 31, 2004, at 12:12:29
In reply to Anxiety while doing great on an MAOI, posted by cubbybear on October 30, 2004, at 7:37:21
> I've been doing great on Parnate for 20 years. It's been a life saver for me in knocking out severe depression and the side effect of anxiety.
>
> Yet over the past 3 days, I've had several personal crises blow up in my face (e.g. a theft of my belongings from my desk at work and another in a long string of infringements on my comfort and freedom in my apartment). My pdoc had said that from time to time, situations and people would come along that would cause me to feel some anxiety, but it would never be as bad as before I started with the Parnate.
>
> I'd like to hear from anyone who has experienced intermittent (relatvely) mild anxiety while doing well on an MAOI, and how you dealt with it. I myself decided to take .5 mg. Xanax this morning, so in these instances, I've taken a benzo as needed. What about you?If it's mild and intermittant, you should probably do what you are doing. If the anxiety gets more frequent you might consider a small dose of Zyprexa. It worked wonderfully for my anxiety, but I gained a lot of weight.
Posted by cubbybear on October 31, 2004, at 23:02:24
In reply to Re: Anxiety while doing great on an MAOI, posted by Ilene on October 31, 2004, at 12:12:29
>
> If it's mild and intermittant, you should probably do what you are doing. If the anxiety gets more frequent you might consider a small dose of Zyprexa. It worked wonderfully for my anxiety, but I gained a lot of weight.What kind of drug is Zyprexa? And is it totally safe with an MAOI?
Posted by Ilene on October 31, 2004, at 23:33:52
In reply to Re: Anxiety while doing great on an MAOI » Ilene, posted by cubbybear on October 31, 2004, at 23:02:24
Zyprexa (olanzapine) is formally an antipsychotic, but it's also used for bipolar disorder and off-label for anxiety. It is safe to use with an MAOI. I've taken it for several months. I want to taper off because I've gained weight, but that's not a problem for everyone.
This is the end of the thread.
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