![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5 to 29 of 36. Go back in thread:
Posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 1:52:54
In reply to Husbands Suggestion of Thread On Nardil for me, posted by Phillipa on April 17, 2008, at 12:55:07
> Had a discussion with husband and our experiences with talking of pdocs about nardil for me. And all the pdocs and therapists here that we have seen ... have looked at us like what century are you in we don't use MAOI's where did you ever hear of using one? So of course we had to bring up the internet at which point they pointed out that there is a lot of faulty info on the internet.
I have to admit I'm not sure what you're trying to get at with this post, but I'd like to point something out:
There is a lot of faulty information on the internet. There's even a lot of -- let's call it incomplete information on this site. And anecdotal evidence is helpful --and it is incomplete.
In defense of doctors who do not consider MAOIs to be appropriate first line medications, or even a second line medication: despite what many people here have experienced -- remember, this group is not necessarily typical -- most studies show MAOIs are not as well tolerated at other antidepressants. They have been shown to be more effective for atypical depression -- a form of depression which was named because it tends to respond well to MAOIs! (Just a tiny bit recursive, maybe?) For many people, they are not well tolerated. Many people who try MAOIs do not succeed with them, not because they're not effective drugs, but because they are not tolerable drugs -- they can only work if you can continue taking them.
I guess what I'm trying -- quite clumbsily -- to express is actually pretty simple: mileage varies. Because Nardil is great for some people, does not mean it will be great for all people. MAOIs are not for everyone who can benefit from antidepressant medication.
And in your case, based on what you've posted about your dosages, history with medications, etc, I think Nardil might prove quite disruptive for you. There is a good and compelling reason to try the newer medications first -- the SSRIs and various novel agents. It's not that they're more effective -- they're ALL pretty consistently effective. The only difference is that newer medications are often easier on the patient, are more tolerable for many patients.
MAOIs are a valuable option for many patients and I'm glad they're available. They are not the answer for everyone. There are some pretty compelling reasons to try other medications first. At least until you've managed six to eight weeks at a therapeutic dose of a newer medication.
Good luck.
Posted by cumulative on April 18, 2008, at 3:08:07
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Thread On Nardil for me » Phillipa, posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 1:52:54
Hey, you know, atypical depression is actually the most common form of depression.
You say they're all (SSRIs) pretty effective ... how is this defensible in the face of the STAR*D study, for instance?
I'm not trying to be disruptive ... my opinion is OTOH that Nardil may or may not be helpful for Phillipa.
I do know that she seems to respond well to some sort of GABAergic action, and her longest maintenance periods have been on some form of low-dose valium, these periods being disrupted by alterations in the medication schedule.
Nardil seems to offer a very long-term and effective instance of GABA-related activity, when it works.
I'm not her doctor, it's true.
What I do think is that the rather long period of incapacitation that comes to most people first trying Nardil may be difficult for her to get through.
Posted by SLS on April 18, 2008, at 6:00:43
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Thread On Nardil for me » Phillipa, posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 1:52:54
Hi Racer.
IMHO, Nardil is the second most efficacious drug on the planet. Clorgyline is the first. Both of these drugs are potent inhibitors of MAO-A. My anecdotal experience with Nardil is, that after 3 or more months, side-effects are practically nil. I find the MAOIs to be generally tolerable. For me, difficulties early on were hypotension, difficult micturation. No more. I am surprised that these drugs should be regarded as poorly tolerated.
As far as Jan is concerned, I am frustrated and angry. I am aware of her treatment history, and things that are "first-line" drugs have already been tried. I agree with her that it would be beneficial to attack the endocrine system at this point. However, for recalcitrant anxiety, Nardil is a great drug. Marplan would be another consideration in place of Nardil, as it is more tolerable and easier on the liver.
I'm not guaranteeing anything.
-------------------------------------------
Dear Jan,If I didn't give a damn, I wouldn't be frustrated.
- Scott
Posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 9:43:59
In reply to Re: Racer, posted by cumulative on April 18, 2008, at 3:08:07
> Hey, you know, atypical depression is actually the most common form of depression.
I am aware of that -- it's also named atypical because it responds to MAOIs better than TCAs. I was apparently in my own little world last night, and too tired to make much sense.
>
> You say they're all (SSRIs) pretty effective ...Actually, what I meant to say is that ALL anti-depressants are about equal in terms of effectiveness, when looked at statistically. I think I said they were consistently effective, which didn't mean "pretty effective." The biggest differences have to do with side effect and safety profiles. It makes sense to me that doctors would look to the safest, most widely tolerated drugs first, and move on to other options after the first line drugs have failed.
This community is not typical of people taking anti-depressants. Just the fact that we have found our way here to learn more about the options shows we're atypical. For many doctors, someone asking for MAOIs is probably going to have to prove him/herself to be a good candidate for them -- maybe by following the diet in advance, maybe by showing that he/she can tolerate the adjustment phase difficulties on other drugs, maybe by trying higher doses of medications before giving up. Again -- it's not only about effectiveness.
There are many reasons my doctor won't prescribe an MAOI for me. One of them is that I admitted to my therapist that I wouldn't entirely object to Parnate, since it would make suicide so much easier. SSRIs are relatively safe in overdose. That's one reason they're first line drugs. Most people find the side effect profile tolerable, and the side effects are more a bother than a danger.
This is a subject I'm very sensitive about, by the way. I've posted questions here about specific medications my doctor is considering, and had responses saying I "should" go for Nardil instead. Even if I say that MAOIs are not options for me, I have still gotten responses saying I should find another doctor who will prescribe them -- even though there are very valid reasons for them to be off the table in my case. I have felt frustrated, because I cannot get any help with the question I'm asking, and because I start to feel as though I'm not welcome here because I believe my doctor's reasoning on this subject. My doctor prescribes MAOIs for many of his patients. He won't prescribe them for me, which I think is appropriate, knowing the facts of my case.
I worry about how people might feel if they tried an MAOI and didn't find it tolerable -- it seems as though every time I post something about tolerability of MAOIs, a lot of people post back that they're fine, that they're easy to take, that the diet "should not" cause *anyone* any problems, etc. That's not what studies have shown: most of the studies I've read comparing different classes -- including STAR*D, as I recall -- showed that MAOIs were effective and helpful and that many people couldn't continue taking them for tolerability issues. THAT is why they're not first line drugs. Despite the experiences of people here, for MANY PEOPLE out there -- including some on this board -- MAOIs are simply not appropriate, because they are not tolerable for everyone.
Frankly, the same can be said for pretty much ALL the antidepressants -- for me, the SSRI side effects are not tolerable, TCAs have been ineffective and intolerable, etc -- we're different, mileage varies, and so on.
I'm sorry I wasn't clear enough in my meaning last night. I hope this makes more sense.
Posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 10:12:42
In reply to Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me » Phillipa » Racer, posted by SLS on April 18, 2008, at 6:00:43
Hi, darling!
> IMHO, Nardil is the second most efficacious drug on the planet. ... My anecdotal experience with Nardil is, that after 3 or more months, side-effects are practically nil. I find the MAOIs to be generally tolerable.
And if you've read my other rant, you'll know that I'm very sensitive about this issue. I'm glad that MAOIs work so well for so many people. It's great that we have tools that help. It's great that some people have found tools which are most helpful for them.
And I often feel pressured here, when I post about my own experiences, to switch to an MAOI -- despite the valid reasons they're not options for me. In fact, I feel very alienated at times because of that.
I am certainly not saying that MAOIs are not good medications -- I'm only trying to say that they are not good medications *for everyone.* What you find tolerable, I might not. What works for you, might not work for me. It's fine to consider Nardil the second most efficacious drug *for you,* or even the second most efficacious drug in the world, as long as you concede that it may not be appropriate for everyone.
I have a huge problem with feeling hopeless about medications, with very cruel self-criticism, and with feeling as though people don't hear me. When I have posted questions about medications, and gotten back responses saying I *should* go on an MAOI instead, I get to a very dark place. I blame myself for my depression, I blame myself for not being able to put up with the adverse effects, I blame myself for being so weak that I can't take medications which might be effective. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that hurt, and alienated, and rejected when reading some of the pro-MAOI posts which sound as though they're saying MAOIs are The Answer. I don't think that's what anyone is trying to say -- I suspect that those who post here most frequently about MAOIs are trying to dispel some negative perceptions about them. On the other hand, I'd ask that everyone remember they are not for everyone, and that experiences more similar to mine are equally valid.
I guess I'm asking for understanding towards those of us who cannot, for one reason or another, take MAOIs. I'm asking for respect for our position, too; for validation; for acceptance.
I know that you and I are good buddies, and have a lot of affection for each other. I trust that you never say anything with any intent to cause me pain. I just want to remind you and others that there are a lot of different experiences out there, and they're all valid and worthy of respect...
xoxo
Posted by SLS on April 18, 2008, at 10:47:16
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me » SLS, posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 10:12:42
> I just want to remind you and others that there are a lot of different experiences out there, and they're all valid and worthy of respect...
I am an advocate of your recognitions, and agree completely.
I apologize if there was anything I wrote that you found upsetting. I was not looking to attack you. As a result of our conversations, I have come to respect your decision to avoid MAO inhibitors in your treatment plan. You are certainly worthy of anyone's respect. You certainly have mine.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on April 18, 2008, at 10:57:48
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me » Racer, posted by SLS on April 18, 2008, at 10:47:16
I agree with Racer as that is how I also feel pressured. And with a T4 badly out of wack which I found out yesterday and not able to sleep why don't know I need to figure this out. As evidently TSH of normal has nothing to do with T4. If T4 is high that is much worse in feedback loop. As for loss of taste and smell two visits to on hospital in DC and another in Winston Salem offer no cure. I have to live with it. But if you can't tolerate any SSRI's but one and your pdoc says even no to ENSAM as too stimulating I listen. I'm frustrated too. With many good years of life didn't expect to spend my last ones sick darn that thyroid as anxiety was so easy to manage until hasimotos took over. Love Phillipa
Posted by undopaminergic on April 18, 2008, at 11:47:19
In reply to Husbands Suggestion of Thread On Nardil for me, posted by Phillipa on April 17, 2008, at 12:55:07
There are many good articles in respected peer-reviewed medical and research journals on the effectiveness of MAOIs in certain types of depression. You may wish to order the full versions of some of these articles and show them to those who think MAOIs have no place in contemporary medicine.
As for the loss of taste and smell, I think only very few medications have been known to cause that, and even then, permanent loss is rare - not that it's much of a comfort for the unfortunate few who have fallen prey to it. A lot of medications and even minerals and supplements can cause temporary and reversible perversions of taste (not usually smell) - for example, I experienced that as a result of excessive magnesium.
Posted by Justherself54 on April 18, 2008, at 13:16:41
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me » SLS, posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 10:12:42
I totally respect your position on MAOI's. Your reasons they are not an option for you should be recognized and respected.
I was one of the pro-Nardil posters. It was like a miracle drug at the beginning and my posts were full of yippees, this is the most amazing med! With my history I should have know better! I apologize if anything in my posts made you feel badly as I can relate to the self-blame and hopelessness of trying to cope with adverse effects from meds.
I know some think MAOI's should be first or second line of treatment as they are very powerful meds for treatment resistant depression. However, in my case so was Zoloft and Lexapro. Unfortunately they all poop out on me within a year, no matter what we've tried to boost them with. Depression and anxiety disorders run rampant in my family. Three family members have had continued success with Effexor. It made me a nervous wreck and I too was beating myself up wondering what the heck was wrong with me?? How come my immediate family can tolerate it and I can't? I've discontinued some meds after a short period of time, in one case one day, and I used to come down on myself for not sticking it out.
I've had friends ask (with one eyebrow raised) why are you going off this one..you seemed to be doing so well..they just don't get the poop out syndrome or intolerable side effects that crop up..and I don't expect them to..I usually just smile and say if you walked into my body right now you'd run out screaming..
After 25 years on this merry-go-round and another med failure due to side effects I refuse to do that anymore. Some may not agree with my rationale of what I'm prepared to tolerate with side effects from any med be it a SSRI, SNRI, TCA or mood stab, and that is if it shoots my anxiety sky high, nope, not going there. If it knocks me out for 12 hours after the first dose and leaves me feeling like I have the world's worse hangover without the booze, not going there either. If it leaves me unable to string a sentence together, not going there. With Nardil, I was vomiting in my sleep every night, can't go there, due to the obvious risk of that particular one. If it makes me gain a ton of weight to the point where I now have a fridge magnet that says "I'm not fat, I'm fluffy", not going there. Perhaps my attitude will come back to bite me in the bum but man oh man enough already..
I'm very happy for people who have lasting success with meds with minimal side effects. I am so not one of them. That is why MAOI's were the next step. My pdoc and I were simply hoping I could get some longevity from them. I knew there would be side effects but I sure wasn't prepared for the hurling in my sleep. I still go into each drug trial with hope. Next step for me is a retrial of Parnate. The first trial got muddied as it coincided with a surgery I had. Hypotension was its major side effect. I'll drop down on my hands and knees again for awhile, but if it doesn't abate within a reasonable amount of time or is severe enough that I'm afraid to walk down a flight of stairs with my grandchild in my arms, not going there.
I asked my pdoc what now if the MAOI's don't work? His answer was "I guess we're going to have to get really creative". Gotta love a pdoc that truly listens and understands my sensitivity to side effects but doesn't give up hope that some combination of something will work.
You are so right..what works for me may not work for you and vice versa..and I totally agree that all experiences are valid and worthy of respect.
I apologize if this post is a bit disjointed. Day one totally off Nardil and I've been having brain zaps continually since titrating down (3 weeks) and they are starting to wear me out.
Posted by Justherself54 on April 18, 2008, at 13:17:10
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me » SLS, posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 10:12:42
I totally respect your position on MAOI's. Your reasons they are not an option for you should be recognized and respected.
I was one of the pro-Nardil posters. It was like a miracle drug at the beginning and my posts were full of yippees, this is the most amazing med! With my history I should have know better! I apologize if anything in my posts made you feel badly as I can relate to the self-blame and hopelessness of trying to cope with adverse effects from meds.
I know some think MAOI's should be first or second line of treatment as they are very powerful meds for treatment resistant depression. However, in my case so was Zoloft and Lexapro. Unfortunately they all poop out on me within a year, no matter what we've tried to boost them with. Depression and anxiety disorders run rampant in my family. Three family members have had continued success with Effexor. It made me a nervous wreck and I too was beating myself up wondering what the heck was wrong with me?? How come my immediate family can tolerate it and I can't? I've discontinued some meds after a short period of time, in one case one day, and I used to come down on myself for not sticking it out.
I've had friends ask (with one eyebrow raised) why are you going off this one..you seemed to be doing so well..they just don't get the poop out syndrome or intolerable side effects that crop up..and I don't expect them to..I usually just smile and say if you walked into my body right now you'd run out screaming..
After 25 years on this merry-go-round and another med failure due to side effects I refuse to do that anymore. Some may not agree with my rationale of what I'm prepared to tolerate with side effects from any med be it a SSRI, SNRI, TCA or mood stab, and that is if it shoots my anxiety sky high, nope, not going there. If it knocks me out for 12 hours after the first dose and leaves me feeling like I have the world's worse hangover without the booze, not going there either. If it leaves me unable to string a sentence together, not going there. With Nardil, I was vomiting in my sleep every night, can't go there, due to the obvious risk of that particular one. If it makes me gain a ton of weight to the point where I now have a fridge magnet that says "I'm not fat, I'm fluffy", not going there. Perhaps my attitude will come back to bite me in the bum but man oh man enough already..
I'm very happy for people who have lasting success with meds with minimal side effects. I am so not one of them. That is why MAOI's were the next step. My pdoc and I were simply hoping I could get some longevity from them. I knew there would be side effects but I sure wasn't prepared for the hurling in my sleep. I still go into each drug trial with hope. Next step for me is a retrial of Parnate. The first trial got muddied as it coincided with a surgery I had. Hypotension was its major side effect. I'll drop down on my hands and knees again for awhile, but if it doesn't abate within a reasonable amount of time or is severe enough that I'm afraid to walk down a flight of stairs with my grandchild in my arms, not going there.
I asked my pdoc what now if the MAOI's don't work? His answer was "I guess we're going to have to get really creative". Gotta love a pdoc that truly listens and understands my sensitivity to side effects but doesn't give up hope that some combination of something will work.
You are so right..what works for me may not work for you and vice versa..and I totally agree that all experiences are valid and worthy of respect.
I apologize if this post is a bit disjointed. Day one totally off Nardil and I've been having brain zaps continually since titrating down (3 weeks) and they are starting to wear me out.
Posted by Justherself54 on April 18, 2008, at 13:18:33
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me/racer, posted by Justherself54 on April 18, 2008, at 13:17:10
Posted by Phillipa on April 18, 2008, at 14:12:08
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me/racer, posted by Justherself54 on April 18, 2008, at 13:17:10
Justherself thanks for getting the thread back on original topic somewhat and I also have experienced the same things as you and Racer and feel the same way. So many variables make us all unique. Maybe I should have worded the thread differently don't know but do know that some can take a course and then stop. Why who knows, situational, medical condition goes away or remission of it. I too have so many people who don't understand how hasimotos and other autoimmune diseases in family members make the success or unsuccess of a med be it for anxiety or depression. Oh I've taken meds for months on end and not had a single inprovement in anxiety. Cymbalta first time being one at 60mg and other only time on worked completely was the first ad paxil at l0mg with xanax and 4-6 beers a night which is supposed to cause an ad not to work. So why we don't know. Hope the parnate works well for you. And no falling down stairs with a grandchild. Love Phillipa
Posted by Sigismund on April 18, 2008, at 14:47:20
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Thread On Nardil for me, posted by undopaminergic on April 18, 2008, at 11:47:19
PJ, Nardil might help your anxiety, but it is unlikely to help you sleep better.
Posted by Phillipa on April 18, 2008, at 18:49:29
In reply to Phillipa, posted by Sigismund on April 18, 2008, at 14:47:20
Sigi whatcha got for sleep as didnt sleep last night as changing thyroid dosing and three docs fighting over it.? Very important organ. Love PJ
Posted by bleauberry on April 18, 2008, at 20:09:27
In reply to Husbands Suggestion of Thread On Nardil for me, posted by Phillipa on April 17, 2008, at 12:55:07
Ok. Population over 2 million? Cool. Guaranteed there is someone in there that will prescribe Nardil for you.
So, ask the pdoc who said no to Nardil, "refer me to someone who prescribes Nardil".
If he doesn't know of any, get out the phone book. Actually, you will have already gotten out the phone book, because you don't want to go back to the other pdoc who already said no, but you did get the book out to get his number and call him to ask for a referral...no need for another visit to do that. Easily done on the phone.
Call them all. Ask each one, "I am looking for pdoc to prescribe Nardil." If they say they don't, ask for a referral.
Keep calling down the phone list, and before letting them go after they say no, keep asking for referrals.
Have your husband do all this.
Total time maybe 1 to 5 hours over several days or weeks.
At google, type in the search box your city name and psychiatrist and nardil. If the hits don't bring desired results, modify the search words to towns around you and creative plays on other words.
Call all hospitals. Ask for the Head of Psychiatry. Tell them what you are looking for and ask politely if they could steer you in the right direction to a Nardil physician.
Any universities or research centers around? Do they have a psychiatric department or school? If so, ask them on the phone for referrals.
You WILL find someone, either through a "cold call" or through a referral.
Posted by Phillipa on April 18, 2008, at 20:22:02
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Thread On Nardil for me » Phillipa, posted by bleauberry on April 18, 2008, at 20:09:27
I don't want nardil. No. Love Phillipa
Posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 20:59:52
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me/racer, posted by Justherself54 on April 18, 2008, at 13:16:41
>
> I was one of the pro-Nardil posters. I apologize if anything in my posts made you feel badly as I can relate to the self-blame and hopelessness of trying to cope with adverse effects from meds.
>No, no, no! I wasn't referring to people who were happy that the medications were working for them and posting about it. What I was thinking of were a few posts which were written in reply to some posts of mine asking about specific medications. Even in the posts where I specifically stated that I was looking specifically for information regarding these specific drugs, and specifically stated that MAOIs were not options, and I really didn't want to hear that I should take one, some responses still said that I should take an MAOI. Some of those posts said I should find another doctor, if mine wouldn't prescribe Nardil. Others said that I should "give up" my eating disorder in order to take Nardil -- that's one of the reasons it's not an option, but it's because you don't prescribe dietary restrictions to someone with an eating disorder. The idea is to STOP restrictions. And, of course, there are physical issues as well, having to do with cardiovascular health.
Sorry -- my little rant.
The end result of that sort of post was that I kinda felt rejected, abandoned, unsupported, and unheard. I'm sure that wasn't anyone's intent -- but it was my feeling. So, that's what I had in mind when I posted what I did above...
Thanks for the apology, but it certainly wasn't necessary. We're good, right? ;-)
Posted by undopaminergic on April 18, 2008, at 21:57:18
In reply to Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me » Phillipa » Racer, posted by SLS on April 18, 2008, at 6:00:43
> Hi Racer.
>
> IMHO, Nardil is the second most efficacious drug on the planet. Clorgyline is the first. Both of these drugs are potent inhibitors of MAO-A.
>I read an article today concluding that trimipramine wss more effective than MAOIs (phenelzine and isocarboxazid) in most cases. As is well known, of course, in certain subgroups TCAs are ineffective while MAOIs work great.
Targeting MAO-A makes sense if you're more interested in boosting serotonin and noradrenaline. For extracellular dopamine, it is more logical to target MAO-B (and COMT, in theory), with MAO-A as a secondary target. Inhibition of intracellular MAO-A (*) is associated with downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase activity, which to a considerable extent defeats the effects of MAO inhibition. (* there is very little intracellular MAO-B.)
>
> I find the MAOIs to be generally tolerable. ... I am surprised that these drugs should be regarded as poorly tolerated.
>There is much mythology surrounding MAOIs, and unfounded beliefs that are constantly repeated without questioning. That said, however, phenelzine in particular seems to be quite a challenge to tolerate for many people. Even if most of the side effects eventually subside, which isn't guaranteed, the initial phase must be endured before significant antidepressant efficacy to develops. This makes Nardil one of the lasts resorts. Personally, I'm not even ready to resort to tranylcypromine (or high-dose selegiline/rasagiline) yet.
>
> As far as Jan is concerned, I am frustrated and angry. I am aware of her treatment history, and things that are "first-line" drugs have already been tried. I agree with her that it would be beneficial to attack the endocrine system at this point. However, for recalcitrant anxiety, Nardil is a great drug. Marplan would be another consideration in place of Nardil, as it is more tolerable and easier on the liver.
>I just found this, which may be of particular interest in the case of Phillipa:
http://www.ithyroid.com/mao_and_tsh.htmAnyway, I agree that the hydrazine MAOIs (phenelzine, isocarboxazid) probably would be the most suitable MAOIs for Phillipa due to their GABAergic (and hence anxiolytic) properties, which are not shared by other MAOIs (tranylcypromine, selegiline, etc.).
I didn't know Marplan was easier on the liver; I thought it was the other way around, as the prescribing info (PI) for it expresses some concern about hepatoxicity. Similar prominence is not give to these concerns in the case of Nardil. If I'm not mistaken, hepatoxicity was the primary reason for the discontinuation of iproniazid, the original MAOI.
Posted by Justherself54 on April 18, 2008, at 22:39:19
In reply to Oh, dear, no! » Justherself54, posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 20:59:52
> > We are good..:-)
> > I was one of the pro-Nardil posters. I apologize if anything in my posts made you feel badly as I can relate to the self-blame and hopelessness of trying to cope with adverse effects from meds.
> >
>
> No, no, no! I wasn't referring to people who were happy that the medications were working for them and posting about it. What I was thinking of were a few posts which were written in reply to some posts of mine asking about specific medications. Even in the posts where I specifically stated that I was looking specifically for information regarding these specific drugs, and specifically stated that MAOIs were not options, and I really didn't want to hear that I should take one, some responses still said that I should take an MAOI. Some of those posts said I should find another doctor, if mine wouldn't prescribe Nardil. Others said that I should "give up" my eating disorder in order to take Nardil -- that's one of the reasons it's not an option, but it's because you don't prescribe dietary restrictions to someone with an eating disorder. The idea is to STOP restrictions. And, of course, there are physical issues as well, having to do with cardiovascular health.
>
> Sorry -- my little rant.
>
> The end result of that sort of post was that I kinda felt rejected, abandoned, unsupported, and unheard. I'm sure that wasn't anyone's intent -- but it was my feeling. So, that's what I had in mind when I posted what I did above...
>
> Thanks for the apology, but it certainly wasn't necessary. We're good, right? ;-)
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2008, at 5:25:39
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me, posted by undopaminergic on April 18, 2008, at 21:57:18
> > Hi Racer.
> >
> > IMHO, Nardil is the second most efficacious drug on the planet. Clorgyline is the first. Both of these drugs are potent inhibitors of MAO-A.
> >
>
> I read an article today concluding that trimipramine wss more effective than MAOIs (phenelzine and isocarboxazid) in most cases.Nope. I hope you take into consideration more than one article to conclude for yourself what was indicated by the authors of that paper.
> Targeting MAO-A makes sense if you're more interested in boosting serotonin and noradrenaline. For extracellular dopamine, it is more logical to target MAO-B (and COMT, in theory), with MAO-A as a secondary target. Inhibition of intracellular MAO-A (*) is associated with downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase activity, which to a considerable extent defeats the effects of MAO inhibition. (* there is very little intracellular MAO-B.)
By the way, there is a significant amount of DA that acts as a substrate for MAO-A. It is regionally selective, though. I think some is located at levels higher than the basal ganglia.
The only truly effective MAOIs are potent inhibitors of MAO-A. Of this I am certain.
- Scott
Posted by cumulative on April 19, 2008, at 8:07:45
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me, posted by undopaminergic on April 18, 2008, at 21:57:18
I'm pretty convinced that a great deal of Nardil's effects probably stem from:
1) metabolism to beta-phenethylamine (which, I suspect, is allowed to reach significant blood levels due to MAOI) -- a stimulant effect. Might underlie the hyperthymic reactions some people get.
2) GABAnergic stimulationMaybe even moreso than the MAO-inhibition.
Posted by cumulative on April 19, 2008, at 8:10:18
In reply to Oh, dear, no! » Justherself54, posted by Racer on April 18, 2008, at 20:59:52
That sucks. You shouldn't have been treated that way.
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2008, at 8:12:12
In reply to Re: undopaminergic, nardil's effects, posted by cumulative on April 19, 2008, at 8:07:45
> I'm pretty convinced that a great deal of Nardil's effects probably stem from:
>
> 1) metabolism to beta-phenethylamine (which, I suspect, is allowed to reach significant blood levels due to MAOI) -- a stimulant effect. Might underlie the hyperthymic reactions some people get.
> 2) GABAnergic stimulation
>
> Maybe even moreso than the MAO-inhibition.Wow! I think you're right about everything.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
- Scott
Posted by Racer on April 19, 2008, at 8:52:35
In reply to Sorry about that, Racer., posted by cumulative on April 19, 2008, at 8:10:18
Thank you. As I said, I don't think anyone meant to hurt -- I'm sure everyone who posted that way meant to help. The end result was still pain for me, but I would never believe it was intentional.
But thank you. When I read your post, I felt very supported and heard. I appreciate that.
Posted by undopaminergic on April 20, 2008, at 0:06:30
In reply to Re: Husbands Suggestion of Nardil for me/racer, posted by Justherself54 on April 18, 2008, at 13:16:41
>
> After 25 years on this merry-go-round and another med failure due to side effects I refuse to do that anymore. Some may not agree with my rationale of what I'm prepared to tolerate with side effects from any med be it a SSRI, SNRI, TCA or mood stab, and that is if it shoots my anxiety sky high, nope, not going there. If it knocks me out for 12 hours after the first dose and leaves me feeling like I have the world's worse hangover without the booze, not going there either. If it leaves me unable to string a sentence together, not going there. With Nardil, I was vomiting in my sleep every night, can't go there, due to the obvious risk of that particular one. If it makes me gain a ton of weight to the point where I now have a fridge magnet that says "I'm not fat, I'm fluffy", not going there. Perhaps my attitude will come back to bite me in the bum but man oh man enough already..
>
> I'm very happy for people who have lasting success with meds with minimal side effects. I am so not one of them. That is why MAOI's were the next step. My pdoc and I were simply hoping I could get some longevity from them. I knew there would be side effects but I sure wasn't prepared for the hurling in my sleep. I still go into each drug trial with hope. Next step for me is a retrial of Parnate. The first trial got muddied as it coincided with a surgery I had. Hypotension was its major side effect. I'll drop down on my hands and knees again for awhile, but if it doesn't abate within a reasonable amount of time or is severe enough that I'm afraid to walk down a flight of stairs with my grandchild in my arms, not going there.
>
> I asked my pdoc what now if the MAOI's don't work? His answer was "I guess we're going to have to get really creative".
>I think creativity is indeed what you need more of. Many of the side effects you mentioned can be treated, if they don't go away by themselves in a reasonable period of time. Treating the adverse effects is particularly worthwhile if the drug is otherwise effective, as in the case of Nardil, for example.
For vomiting, there are a number of anti-emetic drugs. For example, the -setron serotonin 5-HT3-receptor antagonists (granisetron, tropisetron, ondansetron, etc.). Another major class of antiemetics are dopamine antagonists (domperidone, sulpiride, metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, etc.). There are also anticholinergics (scopolamine, atropine, etc.) and anticholinergic antihistamines (cyclizine, diphenhydramine, promethazine, etc.). Last, but possibly not least, cannabinoids (dronabinol, nabilone) may be effective.
For sedation, stimulants (modafinil, methylphenidate, amphetamines) are usually effective.
For hypotension, some stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) and noradrenergic agents (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc.) are usually effective. While stimulants are typically contraindicated with MAOIs, when you're suffering from severe hypotension, the risk of hypertensive crisis from the introduction of a stimulant is minimal.
For weight gain, metformin, stimulants, and beta2-adrenergic agonists (clenbuterol, salbutamol, etc.) may be worth trying.
For anxiety, benzodiazepines are often useful.
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